In response to calls to make Virginia more environmentally friendly, Gov. Tim Kaine released a new state energy plan last Wednesday calling for changes that could both protect the environment and save Virginians money.
Kaine's press aide, Jeff Tiller, said this plan is a response to the General Assembly's demand last year for a 10-year energy plan. The governor's plan calls for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, an increase in in-state energy production, expansion of consumer education and an increase in energy research and development.
University Energy Program Manager Paul Crumpler said the University is already taking steps to conserve energy. Some of its actions include exchanging incandescent light bulbs around Grounds for fluorescent ones.
According to Crumpler, fluorescent bulbs are "the next best thing to turning the light off." They save 75 percent more energy than incandescent bulbs and because they do not emit as much heat, air conditioning units do not have to work as hard. The University is also working to install motion sensors and daylight sensors to further prevent unnecessary expenditure of energy, Crumpler added.
These changes are what Crumpler calls "self-funding opportunities," meaning that the University pays for these changes now with the expectation that the money will essentially be saved in the future on energy costs.
"Energy conservation is an investment because it reduces your energy costs," University energy engineer Libba Bowling said.
Crumpler said most of the measures the University is taking are expected to pay for themselves within a year. Specifically, the change to fluorescent bulbs in Newcomb Hall, which cost several thousand dollars, is expected to pay for itself in about six months.
Crumpler added, however, "there is not one single project that will accomplish this [goal of energy conservation]. It will be a lot of small projects that we will have to do to accomplish the energy savings potential."
Not only is the University making changes that complement the governor's energy plan -- administrators are also working to raise awareness about energy conservation on Grounds.Bowling said the University will be hosting Energy Day Oct. 12 in Newcomb Ballroom.
The Energy Day fair will give participants energy-saving ideas, and students will also be able to exchange their incandescent light bulbs for energy-efficient compact fluorescent ones.
"We need the help of all the students to turn off lights and turn off computers, because they tend not to think about it," Bowling said. "Everyone at the University needs to be mindful of energy use"
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