Student housing is an integral part of the college experience. It’s also one of the most expensive operational costs for colleges and universities. Sustainable energy solutions for student housing top the list of priorities for facilities managers interested in reducing energy budgets without compromising student comfort.
With round-the-clock occupancy and diverse energy needs, student housing is an ideal candidate for innovative energy solutions. A recent shift toward sustainability presents the perfect opportunity to lower energy costs and be more environmentally conscious.
College and university leadership recognizes its role in combatting climate change and setting an example for future generations. Many academic institutions face pressure to meet state and federal energy efficiency standards. Still others must answer to more environmentally aware student bodies who choose schools based on their sustainability initiatives.
Adopting sustainable energy solutions for student housing offers a dual advantage. First, it reduces environmental impact by lowering greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources, and promoting biodiversity and ecosystem health. Second, it lowers operational costs by decreasing energy consumption and utility bills, reducing maintenance and replacement costs through more efficient systems, and potentially generating revenue through energy production.
Implementing some or all of the following key sustainable energy strategies is a win-win scenario. It benefits academic institutions’ bottom lines while enhancing their reputations as forward-thinking entities committed to environmental stewardship.
Strategy 1: Smart HVAC Technology
Smart HVAC technology is transforming the way student housing manages energy consumption. More than a trend, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools optimize performance in real-time and produce energy cost savings.
Facilities managers can use smart HVAC systems that integrate advanced algorithms and sensor technologies to make micro-adjustments to temperature and airflow.
Smart HVAC technology addresses several key challenges for student housing managers:
- High energy demand. Students spend approximately 60% of their day outside their dorms. Traditional HVAC systems waste energy heating and cooling empty rooms.
- Diverse occupancy patterns. Student housing experiences fluctuating occupancy rates, making it difficult for conventional systems to maintain optimal efficiency.
- Rising operational costs. Enrollment in traditional colleges and universities is down 7% since 2019. In a growth economy, inflation further impacts business and operating costs, making energy efficiency a top priority for academic institutions.
- Environmental concerns. Smart HVAC systems play a critical role in achieving sustainability goals for colleges and universities striving to reduce their carbon footprint.
Strategy 2: Solar Energy Integration
Solar energy integration is an energy solution for student housing that offers numerous benefits. It positions colleges and universities at the forefront of sustainable practices while providing significant economic advantages.
The higher education sector spends more than $6 billion annually on energy costs, making solar an attractive option for reducing expenses. Switching to solar saves on energy spending and improves budget forecasting and planning.
Solar energy demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, which is increasingly important to environmentally conscious students. An Inside Higher Ed survey revealed that 45% of student respondents considered environmental sustainability somewhat important when choosing a college or university. This commitment reduces energy costs and serves as an educational model, allowing students to learn about clean energy practices firsthand.
Reducing reliance on the main power grid
Solar energy significantly decreases dependence on the traditional power grid. In 2023, the United States generated 238,121 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity from solar installations, which is more than eight times the amount generated in 2014. This rapid growth illustrates the increasing capacity of solar to meet energy needs independently.
Student housing facilities can reduce grid dependence by generating their own electricity. A typical solar user has a grid dependency of approximately 74%, which means they meet over a quarter of their energy needs through solar. As solar technology improves and storage solutions advance, this percentage is likely to increase.
Potential to sell excess energy back to the grid
Many solar installations produce excess energy during peak sunlight hours, which can be sold back to the grid through net metering programs. This offsets the initial investment in solar infrastructure and generates additional revenue for colleges and universities.
The growth in solar capacity across the United States has been substantial, with the country adding more than 121 GW of solar capacity in the last decade – an increase of around 688%. This growth has been accompanied by improvements in grid integration, making it easier for institutions to participate in energy markets and sell excess power.
During power outages, solar installations can provide a valuable backup power source, ensuring critical services continue uninterrupted. This increased energy security is particularly valuable in campus settings where consistent power is essential for student safety and academic activities.
Strategy 3: Energy-Efficient Building Design
Energy-efficient building design is the cornerstone of creating sustainable student housing that minimizes energy consumption and operational costs while maximizing comfort for occupants. Colleges and universities interested in improving their existing infrastructure can turn to several strategies to enhance energy efficiency in renovations and new construction projects on campus.
Renovating existing buildings
Most academic institutions are locked into campuses with existing buildings. That doesn’t mean they can’t find ways to improve sustainability during renovations. When renovating older campuses, several key principles dramatically improve energy efficiency.
- Improving insulation in walls, roofs, and foundations. Adding insulation to places lacking it or replacing deteriorating insulation with new product that reduces heating and cooling costs by as much as 40%. Advanced insulation materials with high R-values per inch of thickness improve thermal performance without requiring extensive structural changes.
- Sealing air leaks to reduce heat loss. Air leakage can account for a substantial portion of a building’s energy loss. Implementing air sealing techniques, such as using caulk, weatherstripping, and foam sealants, can dramatically improve a building’s energy efficiency. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends prioritizing envelope upgrades, including air sealing, as they are generally the lowest-cost opportunity for achieving energy savings.
- Replacing old windows with high-performance options. Installing high-performance windows, such as double or triple-paned options with low-emissivity coatings, can significantly reduce heat transfer. These windows can have U-values as low as 0.9, outperforming standard windows and contributing to overall energy savings.
- Modernizing the HVAC system. Installing smart HVAC systems that use AI and machine learning allows for more precise management of heating and cooling (see strategy 1 for more in-depth information).
- Installing lighting retrofits and installing occupancy sensors. LED lighting uses significantly less energy than traditional lighting options. This simple upgrade can lead to substantial energy savings and reduced maintenance costs due to the longer lifespan of LED bulbs. Occupancy sensors turn lights on only when occupants are in a room.
- Upgrading to low-flow plumbing fixtures. Low-flow fixtures, such as faucets, showerheads, and toilets, can significantly reduce water consumption without compromising functionality. This conserves water and reduces the energy required for water heating and pumping.
Energy solutions for new construction student housing
When colleges and universities grow enough to add new student housing, sustainable energy solutions provide a solid return on investment. Integrating sustainable design from the ground up offers even greater potential for energy efficiency than updating an existing student dormitory.
Some strategies that work well include:
- Orienting buildings to maximize natural light and minimize heat gain. Building orientation is crucial for passive solar design. Proper orientation can maximize daylight exposure while minimizing unwanted heat gain. In the northern hemisphere, buildings are typically oriented with their long axis running east-west, with large windows facing south to capture winter sun and smaller windows on the north side to reduce heat loss. Shading devices like overhangs or louvers can be used on the south-facing windows to block high summer sun while allowing lower winter sun to enter.
- Incorporating natural ventilation systems. Natural ventilation systems use the building’s design to facilitate air movement without mechanical assistance. Cross ventilation can be achieved by placing windows on opposite sides of a building to allow air to flow through, while stack ventilation uses temperature differences to create air movement through strategically placed openings.
- Using thermal mass to regulate indoor temperatures. Thermal mass refers to materials with high heat capacity, such as concrete, brick, or water. These materials absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, helping to maintain stable indoor temperatures. Proper placement of thermal mass can reduce temperature fluctuations and decrease heating and cooling loads.
- Installing advanced insulation materials. Using high R-value insulating materials like aerogel, vacuum-insulated panels, or continuous insulation to eliminate thermal bridging reduces heating and cooling loads.
- Following airtight construction methods. Continuous air barriers around the entire building envelope, careful sealing of all penetrations and joints, and conducting blow door testing to verify airtightness reduces air leakage, improving energy efficiency, and indoor air quality.
- Integrating renewable energy sources. Renewable energy components like geothermal heating and cooling systems and roofs designed to accommodate solar panel installation maximize renewable energy generation potential.
- Connecting smart meters for real-time energy monitoring. Smart meters provide detailed, real-time energy consumption data. Facility managers can use it to identify energy usage patterns and inefficiencies, enabling demand response programs, and facilitating more accurate billing and energy management.
- Using green roofs and sustainable landscaping. Green roofs and sustainable landscaping mitigate the urban heat island effect by providing natural cooling through evapotranspiration, reducing solar heat absorption, and adding an extra layer of insulation to the building envelope.
Strategy 4: Energy Procurement Services
Working with energy procurement specialists provides significant advantages for colleges and universities interested in sustainable energy solutions for student housing. These experts bring valuable insights and strategies to help academic institutions optimize their energy costs while maintaining comfortable and sustainable living environments for students.
Energy procurement specialists have in-depth knowledge of energy markets and pricing trends specific to the education sector. They can navigate the complexities of deregulated energy markets, which affect all New England states except Vermont.
Other ways they can help include:
- Developing customized procurement strategies that align with the unique energy needs and usage patterns of student housing facilities.
- Managing price volatility and mitigating risks associated with sustainable energy procurement.
- Creating hedging strategies to protect against unexpected market fluctuations that could impact student housing budgets.
- Leveraging their established relationships with sustainable energy suppliers to lead to more favorable contract terms.
- Navigating the complexities of integrating renewable energy sources into an existing energy strategy (power purchase agreements for solar or wind energy included).
Commit to sustainable energy solutions for student housing
Committing to sustainable energy solutions in student housing represents a pivotal step toward creating more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible campus environments. In addition to the cost savings, adopting energy-efficient technologies and practices dramatically reduces carbon footprints, setting a positive example for students.
Sustainable energy options keep campus dorms comfortable with better temperature control, air quality, and lighting. Investing in sustainable technologies prepares colleges and universities for future energy challenges and regulations.
Get ahead of the game by exploring your sustainable energy solutions for student housing with Kobiona. Call us to schedule your no-obligation consultation today.
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