Description of Action:
The University’s utility costs have either decreased or remained stable continuously since 2007, while having added a total of 433,984 sq.ft. In 2007, utility costs were $4.36/sq.ft., and in 2018, utility costs were $3.11/sq.ft. We contract for energy purchases on an annual basis, and guarantee to purchase at least 15% of our utility-supplied electricity from certified green sources during the performance year (we have done this for several consecutive previous years). The University has participated in a Demand Response Program since 2008, in which an independent operator pays the University for its commitment to reduce its electric load on the PJM electric grid (Pennsylvania, Jersey, Maryland Power Pool) at critical times, called Events, that are identified by the operator. This means that when a Demand Response Event is held, the University is required to curtail a certain electrical load (i.e. 300kW) during a particular time period based on anticipated grid loads. These events are typically held during hot weather months or long periods of extreme cold, lasting four hours per event, and generally transparent to the University community. These efforts assist in stabilizing the local PJM grid to prevent power outages and help meet the demand during these critical time frames. Stabilizing the local grid will also help us prevent mechanical failures due to low voltage. In addition, we have an energy policy in place for building operations (heating, a/c, lighting, glazing). We participate in heating curtailment initiatives during University closures to reduce energy consumption and preserve resources. We also seek to reduce future energy costs in new facility construction and renovation whenever feasible. We have occupancy sensor light switches in all classrooms and other areas, and water-saving devices used in all campus rest rooms, showers, and new plumbing purchases. We practice energy consciousness in purchase of lighting and electrical devices including the retro-fit of LED lighting in the OceanFirst Bank Center, Bey Hall, Plangere Center, Anacon Hall in the Student Center, and various parking lots to reduce energy consumption. (These lighting retrofits resulted in an annual reduction of approximately 890,037 kWh of electricity.)