“The Veterinary Center has a commitment to sustainability that is grounded in our basic purpose to leave the world a better place,” said Dr. Michael Lorenz, Dean, OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. “Our performance contract with Johnson Controls has helped us take a fiscally-responsible step in that direction. The project is a win-win for the university and Oklahoma taxpayers.”

The Oklahoma State University (OSU) Center for Veterinary Health Sciences (CVHS) has completed upgrades to five buildings that are expected to realize approximately $9 million in cost avoidance over the course of a 20-year performance contract with Johnson Controls, Inc. (NYSE: JCI). Work began on the project in September 2006.

In layman's terms, these reductions are equivalent to:

The energy produced by burning 58,694 trees -OR-
3,861 fewer cars on Stillwater roads (mid-size sedan driving 11,300 mi/yr), equal to 1,965,487 gallons of gasoline consumed -OR- The energy consumed by 870 single family homes (30,000 KWh/yr)

Program Highlights

Buildings

• Electric Power
  • Education - Active programs to educate faculty, staff and students on the importance of being a partner in conservations efforts by responsibly reducing electrical consumption of offices, laboratory and common spaces.
  • Active lighting controls allow lights to be activated while facilities are occupied and then extinguished when a lack of activity is sensed.
  • Active controls to allow lights on vending machines to be extinguished when a lack of activity near machine is sensed.
  • Fixture re-lamping with new high efficiency lighting products results in an enhanced visual appeal and energy conservation.
• Steam / Chilled Water
  • Education - Active programs to educate faculty, staff and students on the importance of being a partner in conservation efforts by supporting thermostat set-points and eliminating use of local heaters.
  • Temperature management policy allows for consistent application of energy management principles while permitting exceptions in areas where special circumstances exist.
  • Air handler unit replacements have resulted in major savings due to enhanced efficiency of units and digital control systems.
  • Window replacement utilizing high efficiency glass.
  • Active HVAC system Monitoring allows proactive response to maintenance functions which could result in reduced efficiencies or system failures.
  • Environmentally friendly anti-freeze products are used throughout our facilities.
• New Construction/Remodeling
  • Active control systems are installed in all remodel and new construction spaces allowing implementation of a managed energy program in all areas.
  • Environmentally friendly design principles are applied in all construction with an eye toward responsible energy consumption.
  • Space reuse allows avoidance of new construction and enhancement of energy savings in existing structures.
• Domestic Water
  • Low-Flow Fixtures reduce water consumption dramatically. Savings are 2 - 4 gallons per flush cycle.
  • Sewer discharges are decreased as a result of reduction in domestic water use resulting in savings for treatment costs

Appliances

• Energy Star certification on new appliances allows selection of devices which contribute to the energy conservation efforts of CVHS
• Consolidation of functions allows for fewer appliances to meet the needs of multiple users thus reducing energy consumption

Grounds

• Water - low water consumption landscaping materials reduces need for irrigation
• Gasoline - slow growth landscaping materials reduce mowing and other maintenance

Vehicles

• Fossil Fuels- forklifts and other vehicles use alternative fuels wherever feasible.

Information Technology

• Energy Star certification of computing hardware
• Server consolidation/virtualization
• Server cooling optimization utilizing latest ASHRAE guidance
• Active, monitored local workstation power management
• Replacement of CRT’s with LCD’s
• Consolidation of printing functions to high efficiency printing devices

Office Supplies

• Paper
  • Use of Recycled Paper
  • Paper Recycling
• Cardboard
  • Cardboard Recycling
• Ink/Toner
  • Use of recycled cartridges
  • Recycle Ink-jet Cartridges
  • Recycle Toner Cartridges

Cleaning Supplies

• Currently use 80% green certified cleaning products
• Environmentally friendly
• Improved indoor air quality

Animal Bedding

• Recycled Paper
• Shavings