We all can save energy

General Article

Get ready for building temperatures one degree cooler; if you use a space heater, call for an energy-assist visit

What is the Hutchinson Center doing to conserve energy in light of the recent energy crisis? We are doing a lot, but there's still a lot more we can do.

In the Seattle area, the Center is a recognized leader in energy conservation. Last Sept. 17, Seattle City Light gave 27 "Power Player" awards to companies and individuals who exhibited outstanding energy conservation leadership.

Two awards were given to our institution: one to the Center itself and the other to Jim Walker, assistant manager in Facilities Engineering and staff engineer.

What we've done

Since 1997 the Hutch, Seattle City Light and Puget Sound Energy have funded 17 energy and water conservation measures that have resulted in an annual savings of $288,000, based on last year's rates. And from August through December of 2000, we saved more than 500,000 kilowatt hours, or 4.6 percent of our electrical use, over the previous year.

More we are doing

We are upgrading ballast in more than 600 light fixtures, installing new variable-frequency electrical drives and other energy saving equipment and re-evaluating previously identified energy conservation projects for payback based on the new rates.

Because we need to do more, I've asked Facilities Engineering to set overall building temperatures back one degree in daytime operations (every room will be set to 71 degrees Fahrenheit).In the evenings, we will set back the temperature two degrees beyond our current night-setback point.

In the summer, we will increase our set point by two degrees in the daytime and three degrees in the night. Also, we will turn all lights off at 9 p.m. versus the current 10 p.m. (Overrides will continue to function when required.) These changes will save the Center about $78,000 a year.

What can you do

Everyone can think of many ways to save energy. Turning off lights, keeping fume hoods closed and shutting off faucets make valuable contributions.

Another big help would be to stop using space heaters and let building systems do the work. If you use a space heater, call Facilities Engineering at Ext. 4245 for an energy-assist visit. We will see if by making simple adjustments the building system can maintain 71 degrees in your space.

Energy conservation is extremely important to the Hutch, environmentally and fiscally. We also have a responsibility to our community. By working together we can make a big contribution.

Last year, we spent more than $1.5 million on electricity, gas and water. We use 100 percent outside air and six to 15 air changes an hour in our research buildings. A typical office building uses only 15 percent outside air and one air change an hour. So our efforts will have a much larger-than-average impact.

Do you have other ideas? Call Jim Walker, Ext. 4447.

[Guy Ott is vice president for facilities and operations.]

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