Efficient Campus, Sustainable Future: A Building Upgrade Study

Abstract

This case study comparative analysis explores the impact of energy efficiency upgrades on three buildings on a college campus in Arkansas. The study focuses on building design, use, and age as factors influencing the effectiveness of the upgrades. The buildings, referred to as Building A, Building B, and Building C due to owner restrictions, underwent efficiency upgrades including lighting and HVAC improvements. Utility bills for chilled water, electricity, steam, and water were collected twelve months before and after the upgrades. The results show a decrease in electricity and chilled water usage in all three buildings, indicating the effectiveness of the upgrades. Building benchmarking using the Arc tool allows engineering students at the college to track utility usage and learn how real-time conditions affect energy consumption. The study highlights the importance of consistent monitoring and analysis to optimize energy efficiency in buildings.