Path to Net-Zero: Energy Conservation Initiatives

A variety of initiatives and projects to conserve energy at Princeton University have resulted in significant savings in money and energy. The Energy Conservation program, which began with the launch of the 2008 Sustainability Plan and continues through 2027, analyzes every building on campus, and some of our off-campus buildings, to identify energy waste and/or opportunities to save energy.

From new lighting to steam trap replacements, this program has already saved over 32,000 metric tons of CO₂ with more projects underway. To put this number in perspective, that is the equivalent of approximately one third of the total campus carbon output in 2021. The initiatives in this program will contribute significantly to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2046.

Identifying Mechanical Issues

HVAC Upgrades & Control System Optimization

This program identifies energy-wasting HVAC systems and maintenance issues. Facilities runs a Control System Optimization program every month that identifies leaky values, broken dampers, inaccurate schedules and even opportunities for "free cooling" when outside temperatures are pleasant and could be used instead of air conditioning. These upgrades have so far saved over 8,000 metric tons of CO₂.

Here are a few examples of HVAC upgrades:

Friend Center demand ventilation control
Lewis Thomas heat recovery/HVAC upgrade
Lewis Center energy project
Carl Icahn energy projects
Bowen fume hoods
Jadwin Gym HVAC controls upgrades & optimization
Bainbridge House boiler upgrade

Lighting

New lighting controls have been added in some dorms, corridors and athletic facilities. Campus lighting has been converted from incandescent lamps, CFL bulbs and fluorescent lamps to LED lighting. We have replaced over 145,000 Fluorescent, Incandescent and CFLs lights with high efficiency LED solutions. Converting to LEDs has so far saved over 7,000 metric tons of CO₂.

Steam Distribution Upgrades

Some of our 13 miles of steam pipe is more than 100 years old. Through this program we replaced over 5,000 steam-traps, which limits the release of steam in the pipes, and saved over 11,000 metric tons of CO₂.

West Plant Upgrades

We avoid at least 7,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually after performing upgrades in our West Plant, including some of these projects:

New condenser water pump
New chiller at EQuad B wing
Compressed air leak repair
West Plant chilled water pump control optimization
Modified control of the coGen gas compressor

Identifying Behavioral Issues

This program helps identify energy waste due to human behavior. We work with our campus partners to integrate small behavorial changes to see large energy savings. Once users learn how shutting off fans or closing fume hoods can make a huge difference in saving money and energy, many change their actions.

We will continue to reach more people through the new The Power is Ours energy savings campaign coming in 2024, which will focus on these two areas first:

Closing laboratory fume hoods when not in use
Turning off kitchen fans at the end of the day

Path to Net-Zero

Check out the other projects that will enable us to begin converting from steam to hot water, conserve energy, increase our efficiencies, and decrease our carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels: