Members Present:    Margaret Kuchenreuther (chair), Kevin Ely, Maddy Maxeiner, Ken Crandall, LeAnn Dean, Jim VanAlstine,
                                     Ken Hodgson, Trish Welte, Ferolyn Angell

Absent:                       Clare Strand, Dennis Templeman, Lowell Rasmussen, Pam Gades, Cendy Gonzalez, Phoebe Trepp

Guests:                        Fritz Schwaller, Robert Thompson, Mike Vangstad
 
 

(In these minutes: Report on Green Energy Program, Conservation and Reduce Programs, and priorities for next year)
 
 

Minutes of 4/5/02 approved on a motion by VanAlstine, second by Angell.

Report on Green Energy Program with Ottertail Power and Conservation and Reduction Programs

Thompson and Vangstad reported on some of the issues the Energy Task Force have discussed this year, specifically the Green Energy Program and the Conservation and Reduction Program.

The Green Energy Program terms of the agreement with Ottertail are as follows: UMM purchased 614 KWH blocks of energy with open access in the fall for additional block purchases. The charge is 2.6 cents over and above normal rates with a three-year contract. The incentives include use of the Tailwinds logo and ad incentives or up to $2,000 in publication assistance for conservation policies. VanAlstine asked if there has been any discussion on having our own generator. Thompson said the upfront costs are so high it simply isn't cost effective. Ely asked if a presentation would be made to the students. Thompson said there are two students on the Energy Task Force helping to promote this.

The Conservation and Reduction Program have addressed the following:

A.  Information Flow
Reduce amount of paper and printed material that is sent through campus mail.
1. Junk mail kits available first week of fall semester
2. Promote more web site distribution of campus information.
3. Use the University Register for general information.
4. Promote electronic distribution and transfer of text to Duplicating.
5. Use 60% post consumer recycled product to produce hardcopy.
6. Promote two sided printers when applicable.
7. Promote additional campus kiosks for access.
B.  Campus Recycle Programs
1. Purchase policies. Review and optimize purchases involving the generation of recycled products on campus.
2, Develop a more comprehensive recycle program in the residence hall environment.
3. Establish collection times and sites for off campus students.
4. Campus Goal: increase volume in pounds of recycling by 10% each year for three years.
5. Conduct annual waste stream analysis.
6. Consider compost for food service waste stream.
C.  Water Conservation Program
1. Install f low control devices to reduce amount of water used in all campus buildings.
2. Install water meters for campus irrigation.
3. Look at reuse of water that currently is being pumped in to storm sewers.
D. Building Operations
1. Reduce non-use airflows in Science fume hoods. Estimated $16,000 per year savings.
2. Convert existing DX units to chilled water-cooling.
3. Install motion sensors in lighting control systems.
4, Install meters in all non-metered buildings.
5. Improve performance of HVAC units.
6. Improve performance of building envelopes. (Lower maintenance, higher energy efficiency.)
7. Incorporate sustainable design concepts in renovation and construction.
8. Monitor building use schedule.
E.  Campus Technology
1. Purchase hardware that extends life cycle before replacement.
2. Purchase hardware that minimizes impact when it is put into the waste stream.
3. On products with short replacement cycles, (3 years or less) establish programs to recycle hardware into secondary use streams. (Donate to other public agencies that may have a use for them.)
4. Promote the purchase of energy star hardware.
5. Provide information on when to shut off equipment to conserve energy.
F.  Microscale Laboratories.
1. Promote the conservation of resources in academic and research applications in laboratory settings.
G.  Biomass/biofuels Programs.
1. Participate in studies to assess the feasibility of using biomass or biofuels in the energy stream on campus.
2. Explore the concept of a district energy program for the campus and community.
H.  Fleet Operations.
1. Encourage the use of fuel-efficient and or hybrid vehicles.
2. Promote rideshare, scheduling coordination for use of vehicles.
I.  Campus Education
1. Promote conservation in academic curriculum.
2. Develop conservation orientation programs.

Kuchenreuther said she was very pleased to see Fleet Services encouraging the use of fuel-efficient vehicles.

Update on Food Service Building

Thompson reported that the master plan done of the Food Service facility suggests that this building is underutilized. Fifty percent more space is needed for food preparation. Relocating the food preparation to one level will improve the quality of service.

Priorities for next year

The committee agreed the planning retreat last year with the Consultative Committee was worthwhile and should be scheduled again next fall. The following are items that were suggested as priorities for next year:

- presentation of the Master Plan, specifically HFA Phase III
- discussion of 1/6 capital request
- summary from vice chancellors how our financial process and planning works
- update from Admissions
- regular updates from the Energy Task Force
- how this committee can work effectively with administration (strong feelings among faculty that this committee's work is altered by administration)

Kuchenreuther thanked the committee for their hard work this past year.