Balancing ecosystem vitality with human health and economic viability
Yale’s vision of its campus is a place where sustainability is seamlessly integrated into the scholarship and operations of the university, contributing to its social, environmental, and financial excellence and positioning Yale as a local and global leader. Through “deep investigation” conservation measures, GreenerU is helping Yale reach its ambitious greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.
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Sustainability Goals
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Climate neutrality by 2050; net-zero emissions by 2035
As part of Yale’s ambitious energy-efficiency program, GreenerU was hired to identify opportunities to invest in Yale School of Medicine’s laboratory facilities in ways that improved the ventilation and the building users’ experiences of the spaces.
Following a competitive bidding process, GreenerU was selected to perform investigation, analysis, implementation, and ongoing commissioning of work at Yale School of Medicine. Yale’s program centered around laboratory HVAC redesign and optimization, based on computational fluid dynamic modeling of air flows. Additional projects included lighting upgrades, variable frequency drives, pipe insulation, and autoclave upgrades.
In 2017, Yale issued another request for proposals for additional energy-efficiency work, and GreenerU was again selected to perform this work at the Yale School of Medicine. This phase includes measures Yale has previously identified, as well as investigating what Yale has termed “deep-investigation conservation measures”—targeting 5,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide to wipe out of its annual operations.
Campus Improvements
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Laboratory efficiency
Using a three-pronged approach of engaging air quality and safety experts, engaging lab users, and optimizing equipment, GreenerU helps reduce energy intensity in labs.
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HVAC optimization
Like any equipment, heating/ventilation/air conditioning systems for a building need adjustments from time to time.
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Lighting
Transitioning to LED lighting is one of the most effective ways of reducing energy costs on campus.
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Energy audit
An energy audit discovers opportunities for lowering energy consumption, improving occupant comfort and addressing maintenance issues.
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Building envelope
A building envelope keeps the outside out and the inside in. A well designed envelope is critical for efficiency and comfort.
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