Kwantlen University College
The story
"By 2006, the Power Smart improvements we've made at our four campuses will be saving enough energy to provide us with one free year of power every three years."
Skip Triplett, President, Kwantlen University College
The situation
In only 23 years, Kwantlen University College has become one of the fastest-growing post-secondary institutions in Canada. Three new campuses have been added and enrollment has doubled in the past 13 years. Kwantlen's four campuses in Langley, Richmond and Surrey now serve over 17,000 students annually throughout the Lower Mainland.
With such rapid growth, Kwantlen's energy consumption would be expected to have risen dramatically—but this has not happened. Driven by a commitment to be an environmentally responsible organization, Kwantlen has pursued a program of responsible and proactive energy management since 1995.
In 2000, seeking to better control its energy use, Kwantlen signed an energy performance contract and hired an energy manager to manage the contract and verify energy use within facilities. Still, Kwantlen wanted to do more to improve its energy and environmental performance.
The solution
Kwantlen became a Power Smart Partner in 2002 and quickly demonstrated exceptional commitment by committing to a reduction in electricity consumption by 35% from 2001 levels to 2006. When achieved, this will represent savings of 4.2 gigawatt hours per year and provide cost savings of $235,000 annually.
Kwantlen wasted no time in implementing an ambitious energy efficiency program to meet its target. Energy efficiency improvements carried out at the Richmond, Surrey and Langley campuses included:
- Retrofitting fluorescent lighting fixtures with more-efficient technologies,
- Converting exit signs to light-emitting diode (LED) lamps, and
- Recommissioning building management systems to maximize their operation efficiency.
In 2002 alone, Kwantlen lowered its electricity use by 20% and saved $200,000 in energy costs, thanks to Power Smart measures.
In recognition of its long-standing commitment and leadership in energy conservation and environmental sustainability, BC Hydro designated Kwantlen University College a Power Smart Certified Customer in 2004. The Power Smart Certified designation is granted by BC Hydro to honour organizations that demonstrate exceptional energy efficiency leadership within their industries or sectors.
Kwantlen is continuing to implement its ambitious program of energy efficiency improvement. Planned initiatives include:
- Finalizing the conversion of all incandescent lamps to fluorescent lamps.
- Optimizing lighting controls.
- Gradually replacing computer monitors with energy-efficient liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors.
As well, the new Cloverdale Trades and Technology Centre of Kwantlen University College, to be constructed by fall 2006, will be built to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.
For Kwantlen, the secret to its energy savings achievements lies in the strong commitment of its people. This is demonstrated in numerous ways:
- An energy management team is in place that continually looks for ways to improve the efficiency levels of campus facilities.
- Energy efficiency training programs are provided for operators and facility managers.
- Kwantlen keeps students, faculty and cleaning staff informed about energy efficiency initiatives and the reasons for behavioural changes.
- Kwantlen also plans to create a new Facilities Supervisor position, who will work with the existing energy management team and with facilities staff at all campuses to identify and implement energy efficiency changes.
The benefits
Electricity savings
Even with growing enrolment and the addition of two new campus buildings, the energy efficiency improvements that Kwantlen has implemented have resulted in annual savings of $235,000. In addition to direct electricity savings, Kwantlen is enjoying reduced maintenance costs as a result of longer-lasting technologies.
Reduced environmental impact
The energy efficiency improvements carried out at Kwantlen's Richmond, Surrey and Langley campuses since 1994 have significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions. This enables Kwantlen to fulfill its commitment to be, as President Skip Triplett puts it, "an environmentally responsible organization and a leader in our communities."
Informed, committed education community
Kwantlen's emphasis on training and education and its dedicated energy management personnel result in an education community that demonstrates strong awareness of and commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability.
Contact us
Find out how Power Smart can energize your bottom line. Call us today at 604 453 6400 in the Lower Mainland or 1 866 453 6400 elsewhere in B.C.
Last Modified: Oct 20, 2005
