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The Ontario Power Authority has cited investments in energy conservation by the University of Windsor as an example to other institutions.
The non-profit corporation, established by the provincial government to ensure Ontario's electricity supply, referred to the University in a case study entitled "Continuous energy-efficiency projects across the University of Windsor campus reduce electricity usage."
The study notes that creative project design has allowed the University to add four buildings to campus over the past six years without a significant increase in overall energy use.
Dennis Hastings, executive director of Facility Services, pointed to efforts by maintenance supervisor Phil Diett to retrofit lighting, including the installation of more efficient fixtures and occupancy sensors in underground service tunnels, the Leddy Library, Odette Building, and LeBel Building, saving almost 500,00 kilowatt-hours annually; the use of solar panels to power several traffic signals; conversion of the lighting system in the St. Denis Field House, estimated to save between 233,000 and 272,000 kilowatt-hours a year; and the pending replacement of traditionally electric powered exit signs with self-powered photo-luminescent signs.
Savings on electricity will enable the projects to repay the initial investments in 2.2 to 7.1 years, a rate of return aided by incentives from local distribution company Enwin Utilities.
"The University of Windsor continues to be a leader in energy conservation, with continuous improvements being incorporated in all facility upgrades, utilizing all incentive programs we have to offer," says Lawrence Musyj, the utility's director of conservation and energy management.
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