by Ann Withanee — September 14, 2011—The Biotechnology Building at California State Polytechnic University set a goal to cost-effectively reduce energy use while supporting its University-wide sustainability initiative. A signatory of the Presidents’ Climate Commitment, the University has committed to an action plan of climate neutrality. Climate neutrality is defined as having no net greenhouse gas emissions.
In support of this goal, California Polytechnic State University is implementing Aircuity’s OptiNet system to reduce energy consumption and the associated CO2 emissions while maintaining a healthy and productive indoor environmental quality.
The OptiNet system is a comprehensive suite of demand-control ventilation technologies, which is used to continuously sense and analyze the science building’s indoor environment and provide intelligent inputs to the building management systems. For instance, the system makes adjustments to the ventilation flow as needed, optimizing the building’s airside performance for energy efficiency, safety and comfort. The project is anticipated to save approximately $170,000 in total annual energy costs by reducing electrical, heating and cooling energy use.
A bonus to the project is that California utility companies are backing such efforts with incentive payments for proven energy conservation projects.
By leveraging Aircuity’s intelligent measurement solution, California Polytechnic State University will not only be able to quickly and efficiently improve the ventilation in its Biotechnology Building, but it will be able to provide a healthy and productive indoor environment for its students.
Corporate owners and facilities executives both inside and outside the realm of higher education can benefit from systems that improve a building’s ventilation system. It is said to be one of the fastest ways to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, and the bottom line invariably reflects substantial savings.
California Polytechnic State University located in Pomona is recognized as a national leader in polytechnic education. California Polytechnic State University is part of the California State University system operating 23 campuses throughout the state.
