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Drexel University > Green > Green Facts

Green Facts
BIODIESEL FUEL Drexel Transportation Services uses biodiesel fuel (20% Soy Blend) to operate its fleet of 11 shuttle buses.

DIRECT DIGITAL CONTROLS Drexel became one of the first universities to implement Direct Digital Controls (DDC) in renovations and new building construction. Lights, fans, pumps, air conditioners, boilers, heating valves, exhaust fans, heat recovery systems and some lab equipment are controlled by DDC systems. Today, Drexel incorporates Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) for mechanical equipment in new construction projects. VFDs reduce energy consumption by varying the power required to run electric motors.

BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEMS Seventy-five percent of Drexel's buildings utilize Building Automation Systems (BAS) to control mechanical equipment, occupancy and lighting schedules, and temperature control.

WIND POWER In 2002, Drexel became one of the first universities to purchase wind generated energy. In 2006, Drexel entered into a contract with PECO Wind, to purchase wind energy directly linked to the Exelon-Community Energy Wind Farms located in the PJM Interconnection, supplying Drexel with 4,000.8 MWH per year, which translated into approximately 7.92% of Drexel's total annual electric use. In 2008, Drexel entered into a contract with Community Energy, Inc. to purchase energy linked to the PJM Interconnection, which translated into 12.9% of Drexel’s total annual use. In 2009, Drexel University increased its purchase of wind energy with Community Energy, Inc. to 16,500 MWH, which is 30% of Drexel’s total annual electric usage. The estimated environmental benefit is equivalent to planting about 17,700 acres of trees or not driving over 45 million miles.

CO2 EMMISSIONS AVOIDANCE Through university energy conservation activities more than 1,802,087 pounds of CO grid- emissions are avoided annually from reducing use of 1,201,391 kWh of electricity on campus via building automation computers and equipment upgrades/replacement. From Wind Generated Electricity 5,348,305 pounds of CO2 grid-emissions are avoided annually by purchasing the output of a single wind turbine or 1.5 Mega Watts. Combined, 7,150,392 pounds of CO2 emissions are avoided annually, with a substantial amount of SO2 and NOx emissions avoided as well.

CO2 EMMISSIONS AVOIDANCE FROM WIND POWER From Wind Generated Electricity 5,348,305 pounds of CO2 grid-emissions are avoided annually by purchasing the output of a single wind turbine or 1.5 Mega Watts.

FOSSIL FUEL AVOIDANCE Between purchasing wind energy and using advanced building controls, Drexel typically saves annually 3,134,341 kWh of electricity, which equates to 1,136 barrels of oil saved (18 barrels of crude oil for every 10,000 kWh) or 297 tons of coal saved (4.7 tons of coal for every 10,000 kWh).

EFFICIENT LIGHTING In addition to installing efficient lighting fixtures, computer control systems are being installed to turn lighting off after hours or when it is not needed, and stand alone room lighting occupancy sensors are being utilized in newer construction and in renovations to conserve lighting energy. Drexel is currently striving to implement "dimming ballasts" and "daylight harvesting" - lights which automatically dim or turn off in areas where natural light is adequate.

EXTERNAL INDUCTIVE LIGHTING Many exterior lamps on campus have also been replaced with fixtures that use inductive bulbs that use less energy and have longer usage expectancy than comparable conventional lamps.

RECYCLING PROGRAM Since Drexel's Recycling Program was first implemented in 1997, nearly 25% of the University's waste stream is now being recycled.

RECYCLED MATERIALS Drexel recycles mixed paper, glass, plastic, aluminum, cardboard, scrap metal and hazardous-type materials such as fluorescent lamps, motor oil, printer toner cartridges, paint, industrial batteries, computers, electrical equipment and tires. The recycling program also operates a composting center to aid in the removal of cut grass, leaves and tree limbs from the waste stream.

RECYCLED TONNAGE Annually, Drexel recycles approximately 300 tons of waste.

HYBRID FLEET Drexel University has six hybrid vehicles as part of the university fleet, and is committed to purchasing more hybrids as vehicles are replaced.

CHARIOT AND SEGWAY FLEET Public Safety uses environmental friendly battery-powered Chariots (4) and Segways (6) and utilizes bikes (25) to patrol the campus rather than traditional fuel-motor vehicles; and Facilities Management operates (4) battery-powered golf carts for transportation purposes.

PHILLYCARSHARE PARTNERSHIP In 2006, Drexel entered into a partnership with PhillyCarShare, a non-profit car sharing company, to offer an alternative to automobile ownership and dependency for students, faculty and staff living in Philadelphia. With more than 60% of its fleet comprised of hybrids, not only is PhillyCarShare encouraging environmentally friendly automobile use, but reduces automobile emissions and gas consumption.