Energy

Energy Management

Energy management is the process of using the minimum possible energy with the least impact to the environment while maintaining a comfortable campus environment. Providing hot water, heat, air conditioning and electricity consumes a tremendous amount of energy, and the vast majority of LMU's greenhouse gas emissions or "carbon footprint" are associated with energy. Reducing CO2 emissions begins with using energy efficiently by focusing on energy conservation, energy recovery, and energy substitution.

LMU was recipient of the 2007 California Interfaith Power & Light Energy Oscar for Outstanding Achievement in Energy Efficiency, and much of the credit is due to the quick response of LMU's Energy Management Team. During a blazing hot Labor Day Weekend of 2007, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power called their largest customers asking for help in reducing energy demand on an already energy-strapped grid.

Loyola Marymount University had already established an Energy Curtailment Program developing an organized procedure to quickly reduce load during California Independent System Operator alerts, or LADWP peak energy crisis alerts requesting voluntary conservation.  When the alert was issued, team was able to immediately respond by adjusting set points in some buildings while dimming or shutting off lights in others.

Energy Efficiency

Loyola Marymount has the largest solar electric rooftop array of any university in the world. The solar roof system generates 868,000 kilowatt-hours annually, providing 6% of the annual campus electric consumption and up to 26% of peak load requirements. The school has received the Green Power Purchasing Award for its on-site generation. As a Presidents Climate Commitment signatory the university has committed to emissions reductions. Critical factors in this commitment are controlling consumption and overall costs, using more renewable energy sources, and more efficient use of installations and equipment through upgrades and replacement.

Purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (REC's) currently account for 6% of our annual energy consumption. REC's are used to incentivize carbon-neutral renewable energy - in LMU's case, subsidizing production from wind farms in Texas.

Chilled + Hot Water

LMU recently conducted a massive modernization of its chiller plant. Paid in part with a $210,000 rebate from LADWP, the new plant utilizes less than half the power consumed previously, is more reliable with a longer life, requires less maintenance and doesn't use CFC's. The increased capacity of 1,250 tons allows the university to bring more buildings onto the chilled water distribution system. Phase II will further expand the capacity to 2,000 tons and Phase III will add 1,400 tons of thermal energy storage capacity to serve future campus needs. The campus now uses only 60% of the capacity by going to through central plant. Upgraded controls allow for increased efficiency by monitoring usage habits of campus buildings, then using this data to optimize how much chilled or hot water is delivered to that building thereby preventing energy loss.

Below are two picture of the St. Roberts building; as you can see, expanding our district cooling operations not only reduces energy consumption and waste, but provides aesthetic benefits by removing unsightly and noisy air conditioning units.

BEFORE	AFTER

The hot water distribution system is also in the process of being modernized with upgrades planned for the central plant boilers. Solar thermal panels are currently in place on four residential dormitories, and water heated using solar energy is used to supplement the hot water distribution system. LMU is currently looking to expand its use of solar thermal energy to additional buildings as well as heating for the swimming pool. For more information on LMU's solar programs, click here.

Energy Management Team

As manager of energy management for LMU’s Facilities Management Department, Larry D. Johnson is responsible for the planning and implementing of energy projects with the goal of continually improving the efficiency of energy consumption by applying new technologies and operational practices. Larry will also manage LMU’s Energy Consumption (electricity, gas, and water), and work with utility companies, and federal and state officials to take advantage of financial rebates and other incentives. Larry came to LMU in July 2008. Larry brings over 19 years of experience in Electrical Engineering, Energy Management, and Plant Engineering. He has worked with DHS, FAA, Indiana University, Purdue University, Eli Lilly, and Abbott Labs. Larry holds a B.S.E.E. from the University of Illinois and is a member of the International Association of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

As director of plant operations for LMU’s Facilities Management, Michael Lotito, P.E. is responsible for central plant, energy management, solid waste management, recycling and transportation.  He came to LMU from IBM in January 2008 and brings 23 years of experience in HVAC systems and controls, plant operations, and energy management.  He holds a B.S.M.E from Clarkson University and is a licensed professional engineer in New York State and a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).