UW-Waukesha Undergoing Energy Audit

In an effort to make the more energy efficient, an in-depth energy analysis of all campus facilities is underway by Honeywell. The audit, which began on Nov. 30, will take five to six months to complete, said Mike Riemer, building superintendent.

The purpose of this analysis is to identify opportunities for energy savings and infrastructure improvements in regards to lighting, mechanical, electrical, water, building envelope and other areas. Based upon a preliminary analysis, Honeywell has identified savings opportunities in excess of 20 percent.

“The bottom line is to use less energy on campus and to make it cheaper for taxpayers,” Riemer said.

UW-Waukesha will be working with Honeywell in promoting energy awareness on campus. The analysis will offer chances for student, faculty and staff involvement through sustainability projects, according to Riemer.

Quintin Bendixen, an associate lecture of geology, said he sees the energy audit as a great learning opportunity for students.

“As issues come up on campus, we try to take advantage of them and stay relevant,” he said.

Bendixen said he would like to have a group of students shadow audit personnel and then report their findings to the class.

The viability of various renewable energy opportunities on campus also will be examined through the audit. Whether wind, solar, geothermal or biomass energy, UW-Waukesha will be evaluating not only the environmental and social impact but also the fiscal impact on the campus.

All costs incurred for the implementation of any energy conservation measures will be funded by the state’s performance contracting program for energy efficiency. The savings will be verified by the state and guaranteed by Honeywell. The university should know within 10 months after the audit is completed if it will receive funding through the program, Riemer said.

UW-Marathon County has a $1.7 million project just underway to improve energy efficiency on its campus. The university began the process to make upgrades about two years ago when it started reviewing companies to perform the energy audit and picked Honeywell, said Gigi Koening, assistant dean for administration.  The project includes sealing the university’s exterior envelope, installing a new automatic swimming pool cover, adding occupancy sensors on vending machines, upgrading lighting and HVAC controls and completing various other energy-saving measures, she said.