Celebrating FY20 as Lowest Energy Use Intensity since 2008

In Fiscal Year 2020, Pitt’s reached its lowest total energy use per square foot since data tracking began in 2008, keeping it on track to reach its goal to reduce energy intensity by 50% by 2030.

Though they were publicized in the 2018 Pitt Sustainability Plan, the University of Pittsburgh has been committed to international 2030 Challenge goals related to energy since 2014.  Specifically, Pitt’s goal is to achieve a 50% reduction in energy use intensity (EUI = energy consumption in kBTU per square foot) by 2030 (below national baselines) — and establish design standards and operational practices to achieve them.

In Fiscal Year 2020, the University reached its lowest total energy use per square foot since data tracking began in 2008 (and remaining on track to meet its 2030 goal of a 50% reduction). To achieve these reductions, Pitt’s Facilities Management initiated and completed energy reduction measures across campus buildings, resulting in a 22% reduction since 2015. Key initiatives included Facilities Management’s “Relamping for Sustainability” program completed in 12 buildings (anticipating savings of over $206,000 per year with additional LED lighting upgrades over time) and the use of the University’s Fault Detection and Diagnostics Analytics system (with documented energy savings of over $112,000 per year).

The University has been meeting or bettering its 2030 Challenge goal since 2016, with a sustained downward trend in energy use intensity since 2014 – while still striving towards our 2030 energy reduction goal.

The University of Pittsburgh’s 2017 Energy Master Plan and Energy Conservation Plan identified energy conservation measures (ECMs) across the University, which began shortly thereafter and continue on.  Thus, in addition to its normal annual energy and water conservation and efficiency projects, the University has contracted with The Efficiency Network (TEN) to advance more energy and water upgrades since 2018.  TEN has audited over 15 campus buildings to date — and has been advancing energy efficiency upgrades across the 15 buildings since 2018, with more buildings in the queue.  This effort includes systems, equipment, and appliance upgrades.

As part of the in-development Pitt Climate Action Plan, additional efficiency opportunities are being identified and deployed campus-wide – in pursuit of both carbon neutrality by 2037 and a 50% reduction in energy use intensity by 2030 (below national baselines).

Watch the Public Announcement by Chancellor Gallagher at the Fall 2020 Board of Trustees Meeting (1:43:15)