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HONOLULU (AP) — Energy efficiency efforts at the University of Hawaii at Manoa are paying off with big savings, officials said.
UH-Manoa's $34.3 million electricity bill for 2014 would have been $3.4 million higher if not for energy efficiency measures, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported (http://bit.ly/1KBNpt9 ).
The university has reduced its electricity bill with more efficient air conditioning and lighting since 2007. Officials said efficiency also has been increased with photovoltaic solar energy systems.
Energy has been reduced despite an additional 300,000 square feet of new construction on campus.
"The university is about the future and how we prepare the people that come here for the future," said Stephen Meder, interim assistant vice chancellor for planning and facilities.
The university expects to save an additional $3 million in 2015 with the installation of a 1.5- to 2-megawatt photovoltaic system, according to officials. Solar was added to the university's energy mix in 2012 with the installation of a system at Gartley Hall.
Among other measures, the university also has retrofitted lighting, air conditioning and building controls at several facilities.
UH-Manoa also has added several energy efficient buildings to the campus since 2007, using recycled materials, including cabinets, countertops and flooring.
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Information from: Honolulu Star-Advertiser, http://www.staradvertiser.com
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