RIT's two main sources of energy are electricity and natural gas. When combined with the nationwide escalation of utility costs, the energy demand associated with the continual growth of the campus has a far-reaching impact on the environment and financial standing of the Institute.

The prices of those utilities are subject to similar inflationary forces as we observe at the gas pump.

The Environmental Impact of Electric Energy

In addition to the obvious financial burden on the Institute, the energy that the campus uses has a definite impact on the environment.

Based on the report of New York State Department for Public Service, a majority (75%) of RIT-purchased energy has been produced from the following fuel sources:

Green (non fossil) Sources
Biomass	< 1%
Hydro	8%
Nuclear	19%
Solar	0%
Solid Waste	< 1%
Wind	1%
Total	~29%
Fossil Fuels
Coal	23%
Gas	43%
Oil	5%
Total	71%

RIT is a signatory of the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). In January 2010, 10% of the University's electrical energy was 'Green-E' certified. In 2011, this amount has been increased to 15% with an agreement through December 2012.

The Environmental Impact of Natural Gas

Natural gas is brought directly to campus and utilized in a combustion process.  This combustion process uses boilers to heat the buildings with hot water.  This form of energy is essential to keep academic buildings, offices and classrooms comfortable.  The Institute remains focused on improving the efficiency of this heating equipment to minimize waste and decrease gas consumption.

Natural gas is considered one of the cleaner fossil fuels as it creates fewer harmful emissions in the atmosphere.  When compared to an equal amount of heat energy produced by coal, natural gas will release:

Fossil Fuel Emission Levels LB x 1billion /BTU
Pollutant	Natural Gas	Oil	Coal
Carbon Dioxide	117,000	164,000	208,000
Carbon Monoxide	40	33	208
Nitrogen Oxides	92	448	457
Sulfur Dioxide	1	1,122	2,591
Particulates	7	84	2,744
Mercury	0	0.007	0.016
Source: EIA - Natural Gas Issues and Trends 1998

Despite the advantages of natural gas, the Institute remains committed to reducing emissions as much as possible. RIT is making a conscious effort to decrease the usage of natural gas by increasing the efficiency of gas burning and heating equipment on campus. This commitment can best be seen in the ongoing major renovation of the heating and cooling infrastructure, where outdated, low efficiency equipment will be replaced with two state-of-the-art centralized heating and cooling plants.

What is RIT doing?

Following are some efficiency measures implemented at RIT to conserve energy:

All new buildings are completed with high efficiency measures featuring:

• Building Automation System (BAS) to assist with energy monitoring and corrective responses to environmental problems.
• Space temperatures are controlled to maintain required internal conditions.
• Space Occupancy Motion sensors installed to decrease energy usage after operating hours
• Implemented economizing control to utilize ‘free’ energy of outside air to satisfy required internal space conditions.
• Improved design to increase efficiency and thermal property of glazing and windows.
• Improved thermal properties of the building envelope
• Improved roof insulation.
• Provided variable flow of air and water in building systems.
• Temperatures in heating loops are adjusted in response to changes in weather condition.
• New buildings include the New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) recommended energy efficiency measures.
• Buildings are commissioned to assure top operational efficiency.

Existing buildings were upgraded to include energy efficiency measures:

• Replaced low efficiency incandescent lights with high efficiency fluorescent lights and light ballasts.
• Installed over 300 Variable Speed Drives to reduce electrical consumption of large electric motors.
• Installed several BTU Meters to better understand building thermal profile and their needs in different times of the year.
• Installed energy recovery system to lower energy demand of buildings.
• Implemented daylight harvesting in several buildings.
• Converted fixed volume air flow systems to variable volume responding to space demand.
• Exit lights were converted to LED or compact fluorescent.
• Converted shower heads to more efficient water saving devices.
• Existing old boiler plants are being centralized to improve incremental efficiency.
• Upgraded Campus walkways with high efficiency lights
• New Preventive Maintenance System was implemented to assure proper care of HVAC equipment
• Institute added ‘Floating Holidays’ that allow significant reduction of energy during Institute’s closeout time.
• Implemented energy policy with goal to maintain nationally recognized temperature standards of approximately 68 degrees in the heating season and 75 degrees in the cooling season in Institute classrooms and offices.

What Can You Do?

• Turn on lights only when they are needed; often natural daylight is sufficient for the tasks being performed.
• Turn off lights, computers, printers, copiers, and appliances when not in use.
• In rooms with dimmable or multi-level lighting, reduce light levels to the lowest setting for the tasks being performed.
• Purchase only "Energy-Star Classification" computers, printers, and copiers.
• Ensure that windows and exterior doors remain closed during the heating and cooling seasons.
• Advise FMS Maintenance of any leaky faucets or "continuous flush" toilets.

Institute Energy Policy

Click here for the Institute Energy Policy

Home Energy Saving Tips from NYSERDA

Saving Energy is a Breeze
ENERGY STAR® qualified room air conditioners use less energy than standard new models. Look for a high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). Units with high EERs cost less to operate. Recycle your old room air conditioner at your local waste management facility.

Size it Right
A properly-sized air conditioner will operate more efficiently and dehumidify more effectively. An oversized unit will cycle on and off more frequently. Short cycling reduces an air conditioning system’s life, and a short cycling system will not reduce humidity effectively. Undersized equipment can reduce the efficiency of air distribution and accelerate wear on system components, leading to premature failure. When buying a new central air conditioning unit, a participating Home Performance contractor, accredited by the Building Performance Institute, can determine the correct size and provide installation of the unit.

Chill Only When You’re Home
For central air conditioning, a programmable thermostat allows homeowners to automatically adjust to a more comfortable temperature when they are scheduled to be home. Homeowners can set the temperature to use less cooling when they are normally away. Residents save three percent on cooling costs for each degree they turn thermostats up above 72 degrees. ENERGY STAR window and through-the-wall room air conditioners also typically include programmable thermostats or timers.

Don’t Forget the Adoring Fans
ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans can help cool a home without greatly increasing electricity use. They improve airflow and create pleasant breezes.

Work off peak
To reduce a home’s heat and moisture, and reduce peak load usage, use ovens, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers in the early morning or at night when it is generally cooler outside. Use a microwave to cook, or barbecue, if possible.

A Home Needs Shades Too
Block out heat by keeping blinds or curtains closed during the day, especially on south facing windows.

Control Your Power
Items with large adapters, such as chargers and game consoles, drain a large amount of energy when not in use. Plug these items into an advanced power strip – it automatically stops power to products not in use, saving energy and money. Advanced power strips can be purchased at your local office or hardware store.

Take a Whole House Approach
Houses work as a system. Insulation, heating and air conditioning, air sealing, water heating, ductwork, windows, and doors all work together to determine efficiency. A Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor can perform a comprehensive home energy assessment to help residents map a plan to improve a home’s energy efficiency.

NYSERDA uses innovation and technology to solve some of New York's most difficult energy and environmental problems in ways that improve the State's economy.

To learn more ways to save energy, visit www.GetEnergySmart.org or call 1-877-NY-SMART.

Three simple ways to save energy with Power Management
Did you know that the electronics and appliances in your home continue to use energy even when they are turned off? Here are simple, cost-effective steps you can take to save energy at home.

1. Enable the power management feature on your computer. By enabling the power management function on a computer, you can reduce its energy consumption by 50 percent
2. Request an ENERGY STAR cable box or DVR from your cable company. There is no additional charge and no difference in product performance. Two standard set-top boxes use the same amount of energy as a refrigerator, so make sure your equipment has the ENERGY STAR label.
3. Fight the energy pirates in your home by unplugging seldom-used electronics and other products. Products with clocks and remotes consume energy even when they are not in use. U.S. households spend over $100 per year to power devices while they are off.

For more information go to NYSERDA