About Us
NC State is committed to stewardship of fiscal and natural resources.
Our Mission
NC State Energy Management’s mission is to cost-effectively manage energy resources purchased and consumed by the university across approximately 16 million gross square feet. The objective is to optimize energy usage, striking a balance between minimizing consumption and ensuring the comfort of building occupants, all while providing the energy needed for cutting-edge research to solve global challenges.
Our Goals
NC State University has committed to the following energy management goals:
GOAL 1: By 2025, reduce total campus energy use intensity (EUI) by 40% from the FY 2003 baseline.
GOAL 2: Expand the amount of renewable energy used to meet NC State’s needs.
GOAL 3: Reduce campus water consumption by 65% from the FY 2002 baseline.
GOAL 4: Contribute to NC State’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction by 25% from the FY 2008 baseline.
GOAL 5: Collaborate to inform and empower the campus community for energy and water savings.
Our Energy Systems
NC State University operates five central energy plants that provide thermal utilities to the majority of campus-owned buildings. These utility plants and miles of underground infrastructure receive energy and water service from multiple sources, including onsite generation. NC State also owns and manages all campus electrical substations. Recent infrastructure additions consisting of a 24-ton/hr thermal energy storage tank, and installation of both solar energy and battery storage technologies.
NC State’s proactive approach to energy management includes recent infrastructure additions, such as a 24-ton/hr thermal energy storage tank and installation of both solar energy and battery storage technologies. This forward-thinking stance extends to the utilization of advanced energy purchasing strategies, covering both hedge (future or “strip”) and prompt natural gas acquisitions.
Collectively, these initiatives have significantly elevated NC State’s overall operational efficiency and commitment to sustainability.
Our Progress
Energy and water are among NC State’s most necessary and costly expenses. For more than a decade, the university’s campus-wide energy management strategies have enabled significant conservation of vital fiscal and environmental resources.
Explore the 2023 Energy and Water Annual Report
Fiscal Year 2023 Highlights
The following are highlights and accomplishments of energy efficiency strategies implemented on campus during fiscal year 2023:
FITTS-WOOLARD HALL SOLAR ARRAY
A 154kW/DC ballasted rooftop solar array on Fitts-Woolard Hall is underway. This installation is the largest solar project on campus to date. This system will directly connect to the building, reducing reliance on fossil fuels for building operations. Upon completion in FY 2024, Energy Management will monitor real-time data on system performance.
CAMPUS WATER USE
For total water consumption (potable and reuse), FY 2023 marked a level 55% below the FY 2002 baseline with potable water consumption decreased by 61%.
CAMPUS ENERGY USE
Campus growth has increased by 54% for gross square footage (GSF) since the the FY 2003 baseline. Despite this, total energy consumption, or Energy Use Intensity (EUI), per GSF has decreased by 35.3% in FY 2023.
HOLIDAY ENERGY SAVINGS INITIATIVE
Coordinating with NC State Building Maintenance and Operations, Energy Management implemented energy-saving measures across campus during the university’s multi-day winter holiday closure by incorporating a Holiday Energy Savings Initiative (HESI). Through this initiative, building temperature setpoints are lowered, unnecessary lights and equipment are turned off and doors and windows are closed throughout campus to reduce utility consumption. During the FY 2023 HESI, $478,830 in energy costs were avoided, and since its inception in 2005, the HESI program has generated more than $6 million in avoided energy costs.
Fiscal Year 2022 Highlights
The following are highlights and accomplishments of energy efficiency strategies implemented on campus during fiscal year 2022:
REINVESTMENT SAVINGS
Through collaboration among business units within the Facilities Division, Energy Management compiled the fiscal year (FY) 2022 Reinvestment Act claim for more than $3 million in energy savings. The Reinvestment Act of 2010, also known as NC House Bill 1292, allows NC institutions to capture a portion of energy and water savings for reinvestment in further conservation projects.
CAMPUS ENERGY PROJECTS
NC State successfully funded more than $1,515,000 of campus energy projects that resulted in projected annual savings exceeding $960,000. Multiple projects ranging from whole building lighting upgrades to building controls upgrades were completed through cost-sharing programs with campus partners.
COMMISSIONING
The in-house Commissioning Team’s work continues to improve the efficiency of NC State buildings through mechanical equipment calibrations, sequence adjustments and HVAC schedule implementations. Partnering with Building Maintenance and Operations technicians, the team achieved $2.5 million in savings in fiscal year (FY) 2022.
PERFORMANCE CONTRACTS
NC State’s Energy Performance Contracts span 3 utility plants and 14 buildings across campus. Upgrades range from Combined Heat and Power (“Cogeneration”) to HVAC systems upgrades. Each project has a guaranteed annual energy savings; when combined, these projects help NC State avoid at least $10.5 million in utility costs per year.
LED LIGHTING
Funding has been identified for the second phase of the Exterior Lighting LED Conversion project that converts existing pole-mounted lights to LED. This project increases energy efficiency and also enhances nighttime safety. The first phase converted nearly 1,200 existing pole-mounted lights to LED, while also installing over 150 new pole-mounted lights. With the first phase completed, NC State’s pole-mounted exterior lighting is over 50% LED, and the overall project aims to save over $100,000 annually in electricity costs with the more efficient LED lights. The second phase will continue these efforts by targeting over 300 lights on South Campus along with over 1,100 lights on Centennial Campus.
HOLIDAY ENERGY SAVINGS INITIATIVE
Campus Operations & Maintenance takes advantage of the university’s multi-day winter holiday closure by incorporating a Holiday Energy Savings Initiative (HESI). Through this initiative, building temperature setpoints are lowered, unnecessary lights and equipment are turned off and doors and windows are closed throughout campus in an effort to reduce utility consumption. During the FY 2022 HESI, $416,000 in energy costs were avoided, and since inception in 2005, the HESI program has accounted for over $5,200,000 in energy cost avoidance.