SBCCD Saves Energy Dollars, Environment Through Conservation Program

San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) administrators recently announced a more than 16.9 percent reduction in cumulative energy savings between January and August 2013, achieved through an energy conservation program. The 16.9 percent cumulative energy reduction reflects over $330,000 not spent on expected energy costs that would have been generated without this program. This data only reflects savings and reductions based on the SBCCD-Cenergistic Program, which focuses on behavior-based changes and does not reflect reductions from any of the bond construction measures, such as the Crafton Hills College Solar Farm and the San Bernardino Valley College Central Plant, as well as other facilities in place that are generating savings. In environmental terms, the energy saved equates to 660 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions being prevented, which is the equivalent to keeping 119 autos off the highway for one year or over 16,890 tree seedlings planted and grown for 10 years. “It is particularly appropriate to recognize our savings this month,” said Chancellor Bruce Baron. “Energy Awareness Month [October] is all about teaching people to make good decisions about the energy they use, and that’s what our program does: today, every person on our staff uses energy as needed and is careful to avoid wasting energy. By implementing best practices for energy use throughout our system, we create savings, enhance the learning environment and retain dollars for education — it’s the right thing to do.” The cost-saving program is implemented through a partnership with Cenergistic, an organizational behavior-based conservation company whose energy management program has saved more than $3.2 billion for educational and complex organizations. The full report on the first year of the program will be made to the SBCCD Board of Trustees at their regularly scheduled Dec. 12, 2013 meeting. Using Cenergistic’s process, the SBCCD has built a customized and sustainable energy conservation program that reduces consumption of electricity, natural gas, fuel oil and water through changes in organizational and human behavior. Maria Elena Diaz serves as Energy Specialist for the SBCCD. She received intensive training from Cenergistic energy consultants to determine and implement energy-saving techniques throughout the system. She conducts energy audits to ensure that students, staff and faculty are comfortable during class time and scheduled activities, and that energy is used only as necessary. Cenergistic’s conservation experts work closely with Diaz to audit buildings and train personnel to control energy use wherever possible. Every energy-using item in the system — including all heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, food service facilities, athletic facilities, offices and classrooms, auditoriums, cafeterias, information technology, and computer labs — receives ongoing evaluation for the most efficient use of energy while ensuring that the learning environment is at its best. To verify the program’s effectiveness, identify further saving opportunities and measure success, Diaz tracks energy consumption — including electricity, water, sewer, natural gas and fuel oil — using third-party energy-accounting software from EnergyCAP, Inc. The software compares current energy use to a baseline period and calculates the amount of energy that would have been used if conservation and management practices had not been implemented. It adjusts for weather, equipment additions or deletions, and changes in building use. By tracking consumption and analyzing energy use, EnergyCAP® helps Diaz and Cenergistic quickly identify and correct any wasteful energy use that needs to be addressed. All costs of the Cenergistic program come from the existing utility budget. Additional savings can be reserved for other parts of the budget.