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Impact of Energy Efficiency & Conservation Measures 

  • Energy efficiency enhancements to the utility system and campus infrastructure will reduce overall energy consumption and utility costs and substantially enhance the University’s current and future sustainability efforts.
  • Under the partnership, Eastern will realize an estimated 217,000+ MMBtu reduction (MMBtu is an abbreviation for one million British thermal units). This projection is based on the approximate 35% reduction in natural gas and electrical consumption under the plan for the entire campus. This reduction is equivalent to the following:
    • Greenhouse gas emissions from 2,500+ gasoline-powered vehicles for one year
    • CO2 emissions from 1,340,000+ gallons of gasoline consumed
    • CO2 emissions from 2,300+ homes’ electricity use for one year
  • EMU also expects to see an improvement to its STARS Rating over time. STARS (Sustainability Tracking Assessment & Rating System) is intended to provide a ranking for colleges and universities regarding sustainability initiatives, efficiency of buildings, academic curriculum, operations, and campus engagement.
  • The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education awarded EMU with a Bronze rating in 2022, placing the University in the top 5% of colleges in the U.S. for sustainability efforts.
  • Projections developed thus far indicate that under the partnership there is a potential to dramatically improve the rating from Bronze to Gold, nearly doubling EMU’s score.
  • Energy Advisory Committee (EAC): The EAC will drive innovation, energy efficiency, and sustainable ideas across campus and will serve as an informal review committee to provide guidance and feedback on the scope, economics, and schedule of various infrastructure and operational projects.