CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) strives to be a responsible steward of resources, placing energy conservation as a key priority to support the university’s strategic initiatives and climate action goals. Even as a growing campus,
Energy Efficiency & Conservation Goals
CSUCI set a goal to reduce energy use intensity 20% by 2029 from 2019 levels. Energy use intensity (EUI) is a measure of the total amount of energy used per square foot of building space. This tells us how efficiently we are using energy on campus.
Energy Efficiency & Conservation Projects
In Progress
- LED Lighting Retrofits – Interior: From 2023-2027 Facilities Services will be working on interior LED lighting retrofits in the Broome Library, Del Norte Hall, Rush Hall, Bell Tower (East, West, and Central), Aliso Hall, Madera Hall, Solano Hall, Lindero Hall, and the CI Boating Center. These projects are expected to save nearly 400,000 kilowatt hours per year.
- LED Lighting Retrofits – Exterior: Facilities Services will also be retrofitting 250 parking lot lights and street lights throughout campus with LED heads. These new heads will provide better quality light more efficiently.
- Pressurization Controls Upgrade: Replace air valves throughout Aliso Hall with upgraded valves that are tied into the Building Automation System for enhanced monitoring and control.
- Fume Hood Controls: Replace fume hood air valves in Aliso Hall with upgraded valves including controls and sensors.
- HEEP Program: CI is participating in the Higher Education Efficiency Performance (HEEP) Program to identify and implement more energy efficiency and conservation opportunities.
Recently Completed
- Replaced nearly 50 of the original windows in Bell Tower with new dual-paned windows.
- Optimized building controls in the campus Data Center and Central Plant to improve efficiency of the university’s main heating and cooling systems.
- Activated 3.6 MW solar array along University Drive. The array will provide about 68% of the university’s annual electricity needs.
- Converted Bell Tower’s HVAC system to a more efficient VAV.
- Replaced Arroyo Gym lighting with new LED lamps to save energy and improve safety.
- Energy conservation encouragement stickers put up by light switches in all buildings on campus.
- Installed LED lights in North Parking Lot.
Electrification
One strategy the university is pursuing to reduce carbon pollution is electrification. Electrification, or decarbonization, is the process of transitioning away from fossil-fueled equipment toward electric options. Burning fossil fuels such as natural gas, propane, diesel, and gasoline contributes to poor air quality and anthropogenic climate change. Check out the different ways that CSUCI is reducing our impact by decarbonizing the campus!
Electric Landscaping Equipment
CSUCI’s landscaping team has been an early adopter of electric and battery-powered equipment. The hard-working landscapers have transitioned most handheld equipment, such as leaf blowers and weed whackers, to electric options. We have also added in a few electric lawn mowers, including two autonomous robot mowers! This equipment has zero tailpipe emissions and is much quieter to operate.
Energy Conservation Tips
Want to contribute to our energy conservation goals? Here are some easy ways to save energy on campus and at home!
- Wash clothes in cold water – it cleans just as well without having to pay to heat it.
- Use ceiling fans to cool off - Ceiling fans use about the same amount of electricity as a standard light bulb. However, be sure to turn fans off when you leave a room — they only cool people, not rooms.
- Use LED light bulbs to save money and energy. LED bulbs use less energy and don’t get as hot, reducing the need for cooling. Make sure you’re using the appropriate LED bulb for your light fixture – they come in various sizes and colors for different lighting needs.
- Wear layers and use blankets or fans instead of adjusting the thermostat up or down at home or in the office.
- Close windows and doors when running air handling units – they are ineffective at changing the temperature outside!
- Turn off lights when you leave a room. Utilize natural light whenever possible.
- Unplug devices when not in use. Many electronics still draw power, even when not in use.
- Use motion-detector lights for outdoor lighting – they’re convenient and efficient as they only use energy when they detect occupancy.
- Avoid idling your car - an idling car wastes fuel and pollutes the environment.
- Use alternative transportation - Save money, gas, and reduce pollution by carpooling, walking, biking, or using public transportation whenever possible.