The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that a parking garage on the main campus of the University of Central Florida (UCF) is the winner of EPA’s 2011 ENERGY STAR National Building Competition: Battle of the Buildings. In its second year, the ”Biggest Loser”-style competition featured teams from 245 buildings across the country in a head-to-head battle to save energy, reduce costs, and protect Americans’ health and their environment.
The University of Central Florida won the competition by reducing the energy use of the parking garage by 63 percent in one year. UCF also reduced their energy bill for the parking structure by more than half. EPA also announced that UNC Chapel Hill’s Kenan Residence Hall is the top Residence Hall finisher and reduced their energy use by 4% percent.
From improvements in operations and maintenance to upgrades in equipment and technology, the competitors together saved more than 240 million kBtus of energy and $5.2 million on utility bills annually. The competitors also prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to the electricity used by more than 3,600 homes per year.
“UNC is excited to continue to participate in the EPA National Building Competition,” said Chris M Martin Jr, Director of Energy Management at UNC Chapel Hill. “Competing with four buildings this year we finished with energy savings in three buildings exceeding $100,000. We have fun contributing our best to improving these facilities and are excited with our First Place finish in the Residence Hall category.”
UNC Chapel Hill reduced its energy use through a variety of strategies, including reprogramming the computer controls for the HVAC systems, HVAC tuning and optimization, lighting upgrades and occupant education and outreach. See complete results for all competitors, and keep track on Facebook and Twitter.
KENAN RESIDENCE HALL