Physical Campus & Energy

UWSP has made many changes throughout campus in order to save energy. Most of these changes, although small and unnoticeable, have made a huge difference and continue to do so. Others, such as the NFAC PV Panel, serve as UWSP sustainability icons and teaching tools in addition to their main function - helping UWSP get off the grid. Although many of UWSP’s changes have been physical, UWSP prides itself on its behavioral changes as well. Little things, such as turning computers off at night and turning thermostats down during break periods, are actions that the campus has been taking for years.

• The UWSP residence halls currently operate at 40% green energy through the NatureWise program. 20% of that energy was purchased through RHA and Residential Living.
• Two of the halls, Knutzen and Pray-Sims, are equipped with solar panels that serve to heat all of the water in the two buildings. For solar panel data, click here. To view a slideshow of Knutzen Hall's solar panel installation, click here.
• Each room in each hall is outfitted with T-8 and compact fluorescent light bulbs that are given to residents for free at that hall’s front desk.
• The lights in the common areas of each hall, the bathrooms and kitchens, run on timers and sensors and turn off when not being used.
• Most halls have EnergyStar washers and dryers, as well as air conditioners, which are available upon request.
• The vending machines in the halls are also Energy Misers. That means that they power down when not in use and reboot in 1-3 hour intervals.
• Two residents are selected on an annual basis to be a part of the Greenest Resident Room project. Their lifestyle choices exemplify the feasibility of sustainable living. Campus and community members are welcome to tour the room throughout the academic year.

• With the remodeling of the DUC, the building now contains increased natural lighting, which saves energy by keeping lights turned off.
• The new DUC also has an improved HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system that takes advantage of outside air and air temperatures within certain areas of the building, such as the kitchens, in order to more naturally control building temperatures.

• A few years ago, the LRC had a green roof installed on its roof. The green roof contains five different types of plants that effectively absorb up to one inch of rainwater. Due to the evaporative effects of the plants, the roof helps the LRC save energy. In the summer, less energy is needed to cool the building. The plants also help to insulate the building in the winter, meaning less heat is needed. This creates reduced heat island effect and less energy usage.

• On its south side, the Noel Fine Arts Center has its own 18-window photovoltaic panel.  The panel captures light energy from the sun and uses it to light parts of the Fine Arts Center inner courtyard area. Each of the 18 windows is 5’10” by 3’4” or about 340 square feet and produces about 900 - 1,200 watts of electricity on a sunny day.

• 23% of the campus' purchased electricity is green energy from the Wisconsin Public Service NatureWise program
• SGA’s Sustainability Reserve funded some of the larger energy-saving changes that can be seen on campus, including the LED marquee by the Health Enhancement Center (HEC).
• SGA also funded the installment of a more efficient water softener for the equipment room in the athletic department of the HEC. The softener saves approximately 200-250 gallons of water per day.
• Exit lights in many UWSP buildings are run by light-emitting diodes (LED).
• Several vending machines throughout campus are Energy Misers.
• Several appliances in food service areas and other locations on campus are EnergyStar-rated.
• Most campus buildings are equipped with Metasy building automation systems, electronic ballasts, zone dampers, and electric, condensate, and water meters, which are all mechanisms that better monitor and control the flow of energy, heat, and water into and out of buildings.
• Much of the lighting on campus is either metal halide or T-8 compact fluorescent.
• Lighting in common areas, such as restrooms, are time- or motion-sensored.
• Motors that circulate air, heat, and electricity contain frequency drives that allow them to only use as much energy as is needed during certain conditions.
• Heat boilers on campus are high-efficiency.
• Most buildings receive regular energy audits and steam traps receive annual check-ups.
• Computers are turned off at night and when not in use and thermostats are turned down during break periods.

• Residence halls contain Green Guard furniture and supplies.
• Residence hall windows are double-paned and have window coverings for light control.
• The DUC’s renovations included the reduction of its heat island effect through use of different roofing materials and the planting of more vegetation.
• The landscaping around the DUC was recycled from other areas of campus.
• 40-70 trees are planted on campus each year by student organizations and through events during Earth Week.

For more information on UWSP energy and sustainability projects, click here.