UCLA greatly reduces energy consumption

By Robert Salonga
Daily Bruin Staff

While rising energy costs in California continue to loom
overhead, UCLA’s ongoing efforts with conservation have
significantly reduced the campus’ energy consumption.

The Associated Students of UCLA has decreased its power and
utility consumption across the board compared to last year, with
reductions ranging from 14 to 83 percent.

This came after ASUCLA executive director Patricia Eastman
issued a challenge to the association earlier in the year to reduce
energy use by 15 percent.

Electricity usage decreased by 19 percent from last year.
Figures from May 2001 showed consumption of 622,346 kilowatt-hours,
down from 767,369 kwh in May 2000. A typical home in Southern
California uses 7,000 kwh a year, according to the Los Angeles
Department of Water and Power.

Overall gas and water consumption in May this year decreased by
14 and 17 percent, respectively, from May 2000. The association cut
usage of chilled water and steam by 70 and 83 percent,
respectively. According to ASUCLA, the decrease in steam usage was
due in large part to workers repairing a broken steam meter, which
was inflating consumption by 300 percent.

Irene Thomas-Johnson, director of facilities and maintenance for
ASUCLA, said the reductions weren’t necessarily in response
to the state’s energy problems and that reduction efforts
were planned as early as January.

“We started looking at this eight months ago and have been
conscientious about utilities prior to the situation of rising
rates,” said Thomas-Johnson, who headed the committee
responsible for overseeing the conservation efforts.

According to Eastman, the first problem to tackle was the
heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, which she cited
as the most significant use of energy.

“I established a policy of only circulating fresh outside
air when the temperature is from 68 to 78 degrees,” she
said.

Eastman also took steps to inform those who use ASUCLA
facilities ““ which include Ackerman Student Union and Lu
Valle Commons ““ of the conservation efforts. The association
put up signs explaining why temperatures may be slightly
uncomfortable in the extreme heat and cold seasons.

So far, the conservation committee has reduced excess lighting
in back hallways and corridors, as well as any unoccupied spaces
throughout ASUCLA’s facilities. Workers have installed light
sensors and timers. They have also replaced 60 percent of lighting
fixtures with energy-efficient bulbs, and more replacements are
planned.

Also, automatic toilet flushers and faucets are being installed
in facility rest rooms to reduce water use.

Thomas-Johnson emphasized the role students will play in energy
conservation once the academic year begins.

“Students are anxious to get involved,” she said.
“We’re going to hopefully incorporate student
government in our efforts.”

Students say efforts toward energy conservation are a step in
the right direction.

Kamie Ito, a 2000 UCLA alumna who earned her degree in
sociology, said she didn’t even notice the reduced lighting
when she entered the store and is pleased with the conservation
efforts.

“I think it’s a good idea that UCLA is helping
out,” she said.

CONSERVATION RESULTS ASUCLA exceeded its goal
to consume15- percent less energy than last year. SOURCE: ASUCLA
Original graphic by SEAN WATERS/Daily Bruin Senior Staff Web
adaptation by STEPHEN WONG/Daily bruin Senior Staff