KS: Thanks to these occupancy-based controls, CSUDH was able to keep our buildings operations and continue to hold classes during the September 2022 heatwave in California, whereas many other schools had to close due to blackouts resulting from the heatwave.
Lights and HVAC are often on more than they need to be, burning energy in the process. IoT technologies can reduce energy consumption from lighting by up to 75% and from HVAC by up to 35%. Lighting sensors continuously analyze their environment, providing exactly how much light is necessary to maintain adequate brightness. Automated HVAC solutions follow a similar approach, emitting only enough heat or cool air to maintain the desired temperature. Over time, these minor adjustments add up to significant savings — in terms of both costs and emissions.
This ability to balance our energy systems was the critical difference in our ability to maintain adequate power load to the campus to protect us from the rolling blackouts and power shortages experienced throughout the rest of the state.
FE: What has the reaction been like from students, staff and other University executives to this IoT technology?
KS: The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. The ongoing amount of money the university is saving on its utility costs through these campus-wide lighting retrofits makes this a huge success in the eyes of the administration. It also gives us credibility to pursue other types of energy efficiency projects. For staff, it is twofold. Professors and faculty are able to make customized adjustments to ensure more comfortable lighting for their spaces, while our electricians and other personnel are receiving training on how to maintain and manage these more responsive systems. Students are being provided with well-lit classroom and study areas, as well as comfortable, temperature-controlled living spaces. In addition, some students are able to gain exposure to these systems as part of their class work and/or by interning with our team, gaining first-hand knowledge and exposure to new sustainable energy initiatives.
Overall, a campus-wide lighting retrofit is a no-brainer when it comes to return on investment and proven utility savings. Despite the proven success of energy efficiency, it is interesting to note though that while many other CSUs are slowly following suit, CSU Dominguez Hills still leads the way as an early adopter nearly a decade later.
