CAP Part 3: Energy Infrastructure, Efficiency and Conservation

An important part of Seattle Pacific University's climate action plan is its emphasis on energy infrastructure, efficiency, and conservation. Improving energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective ways for SPU reduce its carbon footprint, making it an important focus for the University.

Much of the improvements in energy infrastructure include improved monitoring of energy use. This can be done through developing a more user-friendly system to track building energy use, installation of natural gas sub-meters at each building, and conducting energy audits every two years.

CAP Part 2: Building Standards and Space Planning

Last week's post introduced Seattle Pacific University's climate action plan. The plan lays out a strategy for the University to become climate neutral by 2036. Part of the climate action plan deals with the University's building standards and space planning policies.

The climate action plan commits SPU to a high level of green building standards. This includes designing all new buildings to meet LEED Silver requirements.  In addition, certain LEED credits are identified as "SPU priority credits" to ensure new buildings are extremely energy efficient and powered, at least in part, by renewable energy.

Solar Success

It's official: summer is here! Now that summer has arrived it's time to break out the sunscreen and head to the beach. Here at Seattle Pacific University, summer lends a chance to show off the recently completed photovoltaic solar panels soaking up the rays atop Otto Miller Hall.

A project initiated by 2009 graduate Kenzie Brister's senior honors project, the solar panels are designed both to serve a portion of the University's electricity needs and provide a learning tool for students interested in renewable energy. The panels were designed and installed by Ecotech, a company started by SPU alumnus Dana Brandt.