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Facilities Services

Facilities Services

Energy Management Guidelines

MTSU Energy Guidelines – June 2012

The purpose of this document is to provide energy management guidelines that direct activities and decisions in the areas of energy use and consumption at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). These activities and decisions should support and enhance the mission of the university while promoting fiscal and environmental stewardship. To be effective, stewardship is a responsibility that is shared by the entire campus community. As such, this document provides a basic description of the MTSU utility systems and guidelines that address the major areas of energy management and energy end-use including:

  • Facilities Operations
  • Plant Operations
  • New Facilities Design
  • Employee Involvement

Overview

Energy and utilities are essential for a functioning campus. From the facilities that are occupied, to the technologies in use, to the vehicles in use for transportation; they all require some form of energy to be useful and effective. While recognizing the important benefits deriving from energy, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) also recognizes the costs associated with consuming energy – primarily economic and environmental.

Challenges

  • The age and condition of the buildings and utility infrastructure
  • The differing availability of automated controls and technology in facilities
  • High student density leading to higher rates of facility scheduling and energy usage
  • Capital and operating budget constraints
  • Increasing regulation
  • Periodic volatility of energy markets

Description of On-Campus Utilities

Heating
Cooling
Electrical Power/Cogeneration
Green Power
Transportation

Facilities Operations

Space temperature schedules are established to provide an appropriate measure of comfort during occupied hours and energy conservation during unoccupied hours.

  • Space Temperature Set Points – Occupied Hours
  • Winter Set Point – 70°F
  • Summer Set Point – 74°F
  • Space Temperature Set Points – Unoccupied Hours
  • Winter Set Point – 68°F
  • Summer Set Point – 76°F

Individual space temperature schedules may be modified to (1) accommodate specific research or equipment
requirements, (2) account for specific HVAC or mechanical maintenance issues, or (3) provide for additional
savings

Lights in individual spaces such as offices and classrooms should be turned off during unoccupied hours and
when not needed during occupied hours.

  • Occupancy sensors are to be programmed to turn off 20 – 30 minutes after the space is unoccupied
    (excessive on/off cycling of lights due to short intervals can shorten the useful life of the lamps).
  • Manual light switches should be used to turn lights off during unoccupied hours and when not needed
    during occupied hours.

Corridors and public space lighting systems may be connected to a control system that controls the lights via a
time schedule. Local overrides are typically provided in these spaces.
Lights in storage rooms and other non-occupied spaces should remain off when the space is not in use.

Employee Involvement

Employee involvement in energy management is essential for effectiveness. Please note the following
responsibilities and opportunities:

Heating/Cooling
Appliances
Office Equipment
University Travel

Plant Operations

Chiller Plants
Cogeneration and Heating Plant
Central HVAC Controls

Director Energy Services & Utilities: Jeff McConnell | 615-898-5883 | jeff.mcconnell@mtsu.edu

Mailing Address

Middle Tennessee State University
Facilities Services
PO Box 32
Murfreesboro, TN 37132

We welcome your comments and questions. You may contact MTSU Facilities Services by calling (615) 898-2414, visiting our offices in Holmes Building, or emailing facilities.services@mtsu.edu.