ISU continues to save costs during partial shutdown, semester break

A longer break period and more campus participation resulted in greater energy and cost savings during this year's partial shutdown (Dec. 22-Jan. 1) and the student winter break (Dec. 15-Jan. 13).

Electricity savings during the partial shutdown was $25,898; steam (heat) savings was $37,088. During the entire semester break, Iowa State saved $133,257 in electricity and $50,727 in steam. These numbers are similar to previous years, though this year's overall savings ($183,984) during the student break was higher since the break period was seven days longer than the past few years.

Bob Currie, director of facilities services in facilities planning and management, also attributes the increased savings to greater participation. During this year's partial shutdown, 51 buildings were closed and 22 requested temperature setbacks to 65 degrees. That amounted to more than 57 percent of general university space, not including athletics, residence halls, Memorial Union, ISU Research Park, and research and teaching farms.

"Building coordinators and supervisors did an outstanding job assisting with implementation of this year's energy-saving efforts," Currie said. "Overall, I am pleased with the level of participation. Our campus really understands the impact they can have on the bottom line."

 

Savings during partial shutdown*

 

FY10

FY11

FY13

Days in shutdown

11

11

11

Electricity

$42,364

$41,174

$25,898

Steam (heat)

$18,537

($624)

$37,088

Total

$60,900

$40,550

$62,986

*FY12 numbers are unavailable

 

Savings during student break*

 

FY10

 

FY11

 

FY13

 

Days in break

23

23

30

Electricity

$94,474

$103,640

$133,257

Steam (heat)

$20,358

$2,324

$50,727

Total

$114,831

$105,964

$183,984

*FY12 numbers are unavailable