Energy & Resource Management
The energy needed to heat, cool, light, and power the more than 30.6 million square feet of building space at the University of Michigan is substantial. In fiscal year 2007, the university spent more than $111 million on utilities in Ann Arbor. Across campus, several efforts are underway to cut energy costs by reducing consumption and waste, and by increasing recycling.
The new Planet Blue initiative, funded by U-M Plant Operations, aims to slash campus-wide utility costs 10 percent over the next three years by combining energy-saving technologies and building upgrades with behavioral changes from faculty, staff, and students. The Climate Savers Computing Initiative is improving the efficiency of computer power delivery while reducing energy consumption when computers are inactive. The Pollution Prevention Initiative and a growing list of alternative transportation options from Parking and Transportation Services also help rein in energy use and pollution.
