UNH Continues to Set the Pace with ENERGY STAR Buildings

The University of New Hampshire continues to demonstrate national leadership in energy efficiency by earning the ENERGY STAR designation for five additional campus buildings. Last year, UNH became the first institution in the U.S. to earn the ENERGY STAR for residence halls – earning the label for three.

"These latest achievements show us that UNH is not resting on its laurels as a national leader in energy efficiency,” said EPA Regional Administrator Robert W. Varney. “Less than a year after achieving the first three Energy Star Labeled Residence Halls in the nation, UNH has more than doubled that total – and its energy savings.”

By achieving superior energy performance in dormitories and other campus buildings, UNH is saving money and reducing harmful air pollution, including greenhouse gases. UNH has increased the number of campus buildings that are assisting this trend, by earning ENERGY STAR labels for superior energy performance for four residence halls, Randall-Hitchcock, Jessie Doe, Sawyer, and Woodside, and one administrative office building, Taylor Hall.

Compared to average performing buildings of similar size, these five buildings are preventing pollution equivalent to taking more than 130 cars off the road for one year – more than 72,000 gallons of gasoline – all while saving UNH more than $100,000 per year in energy bills. In total, the eight Energy Star labeled UNH buildings are preventing pollution equivalent to annual emissions from 230 vehicles – more than 135,000 gallons of gasoline – all while saving UNH over $180,000 per year in energy bills.

Over several decades, UNH has incorporated many energy efficiency measures into the design and operation of campus buildings. Through a series of retrofits and educational programs, it is estimated that the university saves $4 million annually in energy compared to national average. Sophisticated facility management efforts include energy-smart lighting, revamped building control systems and energy education for maintenance and operations staff as well as the broader university community.

UNH is a climate protection campus whose students, faculty, and staff work together to conserve energy, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve the quality of life and the environment on campus. The university has earned several regional and national awards for its innovative energy conservation efforts, which range from propane- and biodiesel-powered vehicles to its recycling and composting programs.

ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program helping businesses and consumers protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, prevented 37 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2006 alone equivalent to the annual emissions from 25 million vehicles - and saved about $14 billion on their utility bills.

Buildings earn the ENERGY STAR based on EPA’s energy performance rating system. These buildings must score a 75 or better (on a scale from 1-100) based on their actual energy use, and also meet industry standards for comfort and indoor air quality. Woodside Hall scored an 86; Randall-Hitchcock Hall scored a 92; Jessie Doe scored a 91; Sawyer Hall scored an 88; and Taylor Hall scored a 76. Last year, the first three residence halls in the nation to earn ENERGY STAR labels, Lord and McLaughlin Halls each earned scores of 84, and Congreve Hall earned a score of 87.