This thesis examines ways to reduce energy consumption in university buildings. Occupancy based controls and other advanced building technologies being studied at the Intelligent Workplace (IW) at Carnegie Melon University were examined to see if they could be applied in at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU). Additionally, a sustainability assessment for the current TAMIU campus was performed with an analysis of the potential for TAMIU to obtain LEED certification from the US Green Building Council. First, occupancy-based controls that would shut off lighting, utilize power management features on computer equipment, and reduce airflow when a space is unoccupied were examined. An estimated annual savings of $525 could be obtained in the test office at Texas A&M by implementing these controls. If same controls were applied to the proposed green building at TAMIU, approximately $203,422 could be saved annually. Secondly, advanced building technologies used at the IW were examined to see if they are feasible in the new green building at TAMIU. Biodiesel cogeneration was found to be economically infeasible as a main power supply using the loads calculated for the building. A feasibility calculation for a radiant heating and cooling system with ventilation was performed and it was estimated that using one of these systems could have potential at TAMIU if the building envelope is designed correctly. Displacement ventilation could be implemented for research purposes in the test bed, but should not be implemented on a broader basis until more is known about the performance of these systems in hot and humid climates. Daylighting should be used in the new building whenever its implementation will not significantly increase solar loads. Thirdly, a sustainability assessment of the current TAMIU campus was performed. Several good practices and areas for improvement were identified in nine sustainability-related areas. The current TAMIU campus was examined to see what scope of work would be required to achieve LEED certification from the US Green Building Council. It was found that 39 credits, which is enough to achieve LEED certification, are either achievable as-is, achievable with a policy change, or achievable with a minor retrofit scope.

This thesis examines ways to reduce energy consumption in university buildings. Occupancy based controls and other advanced building technologies being studied at the Intelligent Workplace (IW) at Carnegie Melon University were examined to see if they could be applied in at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU). Additionally, a sustainability assessment for the current TAMIU campus was performed with an analysis of the potential for TAMIU to obtain LEED certification from the US Green Building Council. First, occupancy-based controls that would shut off lighting, utilize power management features on computer equipment, and reduce airflow when a space is unoccupied were examined. An estimated annual savings of $525 could be obtained in the test office at Texas A&M by implementing these controls. If same controls were applied to the proposed green building at TAMIU, approximately $203,422 could be saved annually. Secondly, advanced building technologies used at the IW were examined to see if they are feasible in the new green building at TAMIU. Biodiesel cogeneration was found to be economically infeasible as a main power supply using the loads calculated for the building. A feasibility calculation for a radiant heating and cooling system with ventilation was performed and it was estimated that using one of these systems could have potential at TAMIU if the building envelope is designed correctly. Displacement ventilation could be implemented for research purposes in the test bed, but should not be implemented on a broader basis until more is known about the performance of these systems in hot and humid climates. Daylighting should be used in the new building whenever its implementation will not significantly increase solar loads. Thirdly, a sustainability assessment of the current TAMIU campus was performed. Several good practices and areas for improvement were identified in nine sustainability-related areas. The current TAMIU campus was examined to see what scope of work would be required to achieve LEED certification from the US Green Building Council. It was found that 39 credits, which is enough to achieve LEED certification, are either achievable as-is, achievable with a policy change, or achievable with a minor retrofit scope.

Campus sustainability and sustainable food production at universities across the nation are gaining in popularity, and student led gardens are an important and distinctive part of this movement. Student initiatives at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) have led to the creation of a Sustainability Council and Green Fund which has provided a tremendous amount of support for the student led organic garden (LOGIC) on SIUC's campus. The purpose of this research was to provide a thorough, evaluative case study of the campus garden at SIUC in order to explore its past, its current structure and resources, and to suggest a model for its future. Through student surveys and qualitative interviews with key experts it was found that a paid garden manger position, consistent funding, more production, more volunteers, more awareness, and a critical look at current goals and practices were needed for LOGIC's continued success.

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Plug loads—traditionally viewed as behaviorally motivated and beyond the control of designers and operations—are now seen as an integral part of achieving low-energy building targets. Higher education institutions are increasingly recognizing the environmental impacts of campus facilities through holistic approaches to energy savings including energy efficient design and occupant engagement. Residence halls are a compelling example because students bring large numbers of electronics to their rooms and have unlimited access to power for an all-inclusive room rate and resource usage competitions and campaigns are commonplace. However, limited research exists on residence halls plug loads. This dissertation asked the following of residence halls: (1) What are the measured plug loads and how do they compare with design estimates? (2) What role do building design characteristics play in plug loads? (3) What are the specific occupant behaviors that could influence future design? (4) How can plug loads be better understood in terms of behavior, design, and operations? To answer these questions, a sequential mixed methods study included field measurements and student surveys in six residence halls on three Oregon campuses followed by 24 interviews with designers, operators, and students. Findings suggest that plug loads in occupied residence halls are higher and usage profiles differ from design predictions. Results do not show significant correlations between design characteristics and plug loads but suggest that some room/suite level features may play a somewhat stronger role. Survey responses indicated that students are doing more with fewer smart devices, which suggests opportunities for students sharing energy intensive devices. Lighting emerged as both a practical and a social consideration. Finally, the data revealed “balance of power” as a coherent process that explicates the relationships between design, operations, and behavior. Designers have the power to recommend plug load strategies and technologies but are limited by costs, maintenance, and political concerns; operations personnel have the power to impose limits on student power usage but are often reluctant to interfere with the overall living experience; and students have the power to use plug load electricity with few restrictions. This suggests that the balance may be skewed toward student behavior.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(工学) / 甲第21086号 / 工博第4450号 / 新制||工||1692(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院工学研究科都市社会工学専攻 / (主査)教授 藤井 聡, 准教授 SCHMOECKER Jan-Dirk, 教授 宇野 伸宏 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) / Kyoto University / DFAM

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Society is facing a crisis of un-sustainability. The sector of higher education is well poised to support transition to a sustainable society. This thesis assesses the efforts of the Campus Sustainability Movement (CSM) in the US and Canada relative to a Strategic Sustainable Development Framework. Key findings indicate that the CSM is utilizing tools and engaging in a variety of actions towards sustainability. However, it is largely failing to use systems thinking to understand the complex interrelationships of its actions. Most efforts lack a strategy, and when strategy is present, it follows more from barriers than from a long-term goal. Current efforts mostly focus on environmental sustainability. The authors present a backcasting from principles of sustainability approach as one means to improve the strategy of the CSM. They also propose a vision for higher education that incorporates sustainability principles and fundamental human needs in an attempt to bring some concreteness to both the environmental and social aspects of sustainability in higher education.

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