May 8—Students at Ithaca College in New York recently partnered with Sodexo, the university’s foodservice provider, to investigate ways the campus could reduce energy costs by 30% and the kitchen’s carbon footprint by 25%.
To reach these goals, the team looked at the energy efficiency of all
equipment and conducted a water and energy audit. What they found
helped develop an estimate of dining services energy consumption and
carbon emissions. The team then identified ways to reduce that
estimate, including installing energy-efficient exhaust fans, making
employees more aware of energy use and adding motion detectors for the
lighting systems. The plan will cut the energy bill by nearly $140,000
per year. Investments in energy-efficient equipment will cost a little
more than $215,000 and will pay for themselves in about 19 months.
"Students are passionate about the environment and teaming with them
promotes sustainability on campus as well as after they graduate," Al
Allen, president of Sodexo facility management, said in a press
release. "The education community can play a determinant role in
leading the effort as it fits the education, research and public
service missions of these institutions."