News Story

Workers have installed devices across the Pittsburg State University campus that officials hope will help PSU become a more efficient user of energy and water. That’s important information for an institution that had a $1.3 million electric bill last year.

The 147 submeters will record and transmit real-time data about electric, gas, steam and water use to an on-campus server. That information will be used to monitor, track and analyze campus utility use, to evaluate energy conservation efforts and to identify additional conservation opportunities. All data can be viewed instantaneously as well as recorded for historical comparisons and analysis.

In addition to the submeters, plans call for one or more kiosks to be installed around campus this spring that will allow students, faculty and staff an interactive experience with access to all of the real-time data, information and results for each building, as well as sustainability messages and information.

The new tools will be educational both for the university and also students, according to Tom Amershek, director of building trades and landscape maintenance.

“One exciting thing about this project is that not only will the university be able to track and improve utility conservation, but the kiosks will be an educational opportunity for students and others who will be able to see how simple, every-day activities can affect energy and water use,” Amershek said.

Jeff Flathman, president of Energy Solutions Professionals, the firm in charge of the project, said the detailed information provided by the meters will help the university make smart decisions.

“There is so much you can do when you have this type of information at your fingertips,” Flathman said. “Decisions about strategic infrastructure, class scheduling, and sustainability initiatives will all be enhanced. It’s going to empower and invigorate the student body to take on causes to lessen the university’s environmental impact. This project is putting Pittsburg State at the leading edge of sustainable campuses across the county.”

The $750,000 project, funded by a grant provided under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), is just the latest of Pittsburg State’s continuing efforts to become a more energy efficient and sustainable campus. In 2011, the university completed more than $4.7 million in energy efficiency improvements to 28 buildings on campus. One of the largest of those was a new geothermal heating/cooling system that serves McPherson Hall and Timmons Chapel.