Energy Systems and Sustainability

Email 605-688-4136

Energy Systems

The Energy Systems Division of Facilities and Services manages the production and distribution of the heating and cooling for campus. Our staff of engineers and technicians continually assess new technologies and energy options to assure ��Ƶ utilizes the most efficient and reliable systems both environmentally and fiscally.

The central heating plant serves approximately 80% of the campus buildings. Buildings not served by the central heating plant utilize boilers, both options run off natural gas. During the heating season, the central heating plant is staffed 24 hours a day.

There are two chiller plants on campus which currently provide cooling to approximately 50% of the buildings. Plans are in place to continue adding existing buildings, as well as any new construction, to one of the two plants to achieve the goal of serving 100% of the buildings. Buildings not currently connected to a chiller plant use either a building chiller or window air conditioning units. By utilizing a chiller plant, it increases the reliability of the service, saves energy, and minimizes equipment and maintenance responsibilities.

The Energy System Division is also leveraging on-site power generation through rooftop solar panels. With four buildings currently using this clean power source, the intent is to increase the number of buildings by adding solar panels in conjunction with roof replacement projects. The solar power generated remains with the building to help fill the demand, but typically is unable to produce 100% of the need. Facilities and Services is excited about future of this renewable energy and how it will serve the campus needs in the future.

Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) is the primary source (80%) of electricity used on campus. WAPA utilizes 100% hydroelectric power and ��Ƶ is proud of this partnership and our ability to use such an environmentally friendly option for our electrical needs.

Campus water is supplied by Brookings Municipal Utilities.

Sustainability

��Ƶ strives to create a sustainable campus by using the three pillars approach to sustainability: environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

Environmental sustainability – the act of preserving, restoring, and utilizing the earth’s natural resources in a way that does not inhibit ecological services, remove resources faster than they can be replenished, or harm the surrounding environment.
Social sustainability – the act of ensuring all people have access to basic human rights, including but not limited to: clean water, nutrition, education, health care, sanitation, shelter, security, a meaningful livelihood, and the opportunity to pursue their aspirations.
Economic sustainability – the act of distributing money and resources equally so that all may obtain basic human needs. Being economically sustainable should allow the economy to function, prosper, and thrive.

Facilities and Services is proud to initiate, facilitate and manage a variety of sustainable-focus initiatives on campus. The following is a list of some notable areas of focus: STARS Silver Rating, Bee Campus USA member since 2018, Tree Campus USA member since 2009, LEED Certified buildings – (3) Gold and (16) Silver.

Our recycling efforts include single stream recycling, which includes paper, cardboard, cans, glass, and plastic. Cardboard is collected separately. The campus Recycling Guide can be found here. You can submit a Recycling Request by calling the Facilities and Services front desk at 605-688-4136.

As new initiatives, processes and technologies emerge, our staff assess if/how ��Ƶ can benefit from growing our existing sustainability practices.

Visit the dedicated Sustainability page.

Energy Conservation

��Ƶ has made strides to control energy consumption through energy conservation projects and energy management strategies. The following is a sample of practices and methods that the university strives for in as many projects as possible.

Energy Efficient Lighting

Approximately 95% of the fluorescent fixtures on campus have been upgraded to more efficient bulbs and ballasts. Over 75% of compatible light fixtures have been converted to LEDs, which consume significantly less energy and last longer than traditional light bulbs.

Occupancy Sensors

Occupancy sensors continue to be installed across campus to assist with conserving energy when a room is unoccupied by turning off room lights. ��Ƶ now has over 1,000 occupancy sensors on campus. Depending on the size of the room, these sensors will pay for themselves in 10 years or less.

Energy Star Products

��Ƶ abides by the Office of Procurement Management’s Policy ES-10 which states that all state agencies are required to purchase ENERGY STAR designated products if a product exists. This policy went into effect in 2008.

Insulation

Pipes and new roofs are properly insulated to minimize heat loss. By reducing the amount heat lost, ��Ƶ has decreased its energy usage.

Updating HVAC Controls

��Ƶ maintains updated controls to allow for more accurate measurement and temperature regulation for each building. These controls reduce room overheating and have been shown to reduce energy costs by one-third.

Steam Efficiency

��Ƶ has annual inspections of its steam system. Every year ��Ƶ replaces numerous steam traps and repairs steam leaks to minimize costly steam loss. A typical failed steam trap or leak left alone can cost $500 annually in energy loss. These repairs pay for themselves within months.

Central Heating and Chiller Plants

��Ƶ operates a central heating and chiller plant. In general, central plant equipment is more efficient and consumes less energy. Another cost savings comes from the fact that there are fewer pieces of equipment to maintain, allowing for maintenance efforts to be more focused on less equipment.

Heat Recovery and Free Cooling

Heat recovery is a system which captures the heat that would have normally been lost and recovers a portion of it to pre-heat the incoming heat to the building. Heat recovery systems save tremendous amounts of energy on our cold South Dakota winter days and are installed in many labs. Free cooling takes advantage of nearby areas that have lower air temperatures. The cooling system’s temperature is lowered when in this area, minimizing the energy that is needed to cool the warmer area.

High Efficiency Windows

Across campus single pane windows are being replaced with more efficient double pane glass, which are better at reducing energy lost through windows.

Solar arrays

Five solar arrays have been installed across campus accumulating to a total of 165.85 KW. The energy produced by these arrays is equivalent to the amount of energy needed to power 25 homes.

Robert Milbrandt

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Email 605-688-4136

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