Energy task force to reduce costs and consumption
 
Already among the top five percent of energy efficient research campuses, UNH will soon be taking more efforts for conservation with the creation of an Energy Task Force.

UNH President Ann Weaver Hart announced yesterday the formation of an Energy Task Force, which will work to develop new ways to reduce energy costs and consumption around campus. The group will assess energy issues through technological improvements, increases in efficiency, reductions in waste and selection of fuels. It also will promote educational and outreach programs intended to increase energy awareness and efficiency on campus.

"Everywhere across the nation, families, communities, businesses and universities are being affected by the steep and steady increase in oil and gas prices," Hart said. "We need to be strong and proactive in addressing this crisis, and the task force will ensure that we are doing everything possible to reduce energy costs and consumption."

The university is facing a $3.5 million budget overrun due to energy consumption issues in addition to the rising price of oil and gas.

In the past, the university has received regional and national awards for its innovative energy conservation efforts. From propane-powered vehicles to its recycling and composting program, UNH leads the region in sustainability and conservation.

The Energy Task Force will continue this sentiment by reviewing UNH's existing energy management and education programs. The task force will also summarize the steps that are needed to minimize the cost and environmental impacts of energy consumption on campus.

The effort will build on programs already begun by the staff in the Office of Sustainability Programs and their Climate Education Initiative. John Aber, vice president for research and public service and chair of the task force, stressed that "the needs are immediate, and we need to begin this fall. The Task Force will present recommendations as they are developed, rather than waiting for the completion of a detailed study."

One of those solutions is the University's new cogeneration plant, which will go online in January 2006. The plant will upgrade the current heating system and is projected to cut harmful air emissions and avoid energy costs of $35 million over the next 20 years. The plant will be fueled primarily by natural gas, but it can operate effectively and efficiently on other fuels.

"We need to explore both immediate and long-term solutions," Aber said.

Early next year, UNH's Central Budget Committee will look over the FY06 energy budget, as well as net tuition, indirect costs, and fee revenue. Candace Corvey, vice president for finance and administration, said that an energy surcharge to UNH departments will need to be implemented. The final numbers will not be available until spring semester, but Corvey said that the UNH budget offices already have been given preliminary estimates for planning purposes.

Corvey added that "In the meantime, we are asking everyone to think about ways they can reduce energy use, from turning down thermostats, to turning off lights, to powering down computers. Literally, every step that is taken will help in some small measure."