From the keyboard of a laptop computer, Al Laster, energy management specialist, can program the lights in Stillwell Science Building or the Campus Recreation Center to turn on or off when the building is not in use or when the sun goes down. Laster’s job is to help maximize the university’s energy savings – not only to cut WCU’s $4.8 million annual energy bill, but also to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide and other emissions from the fossil fuels burned to power university activities.

“We must continue to take action to reduce our carbon footprint, or as we call it at WCU, our carbon paw print,” said Lauren Bishop, energy manager. “It’s not just about saving money, meeting state or federal requirements, or saving the planet. Climate change could affect such things as our food and water supply, and when you realize that, you realize every action we take to reduce our carbon footprints and our collective campus paw print is about saving the people. As humans, we tend to forget how delicate the balance of nature is in our daily lives.”

WCU has made significant reductions in its carbon paw print in the last few years, achieving state-mandated energy and petroleum reduction goals years ahead of schedule, said Bishop. Nine years prior to a 2015 deadline for state agencies to reduce annual energy consumption by 30 percent, Western Carolina met the goal. WCU was able to make a significant reduction in energy consumption by seizing an opportunity three years ago to tap into a natural gas pipeline and use natural gas to power the steam plant instead of No. 6 fuel oil, which is less energy-efficient. The university saved more than $600,000 last year as a result of the switch. “Plus, the combustion of natural gas doesn’t produce sulfur emissions, so our emissions are a lot lower,” said Bill Manware, assistant director of the physical plant.

Two years before a deadline to cut petroleum use 20 percent, WCU already has done so. In the summer and fall of 2007, WCU reduced the amount of petroleum used by campus vehicles by purchasing biodiesel, a blend that is 20 percent vegetable oil and 80 percent diesel, and E10, a blend of ethanol and unleaded gas, for campus vehicles. Meanwhile, the university is expanding its fleet of neighborhood electric vehicles and promoting walking, biking, carpooling and driving practices that avoid unnecessary idling.

WCU also is incorporating energy-efficient measures into construction planning and building repairs and maintenance. Initiatives range from replacing incandescent light bulbs as needed with compact fluorescent light bulbs to designing the planned health sciences building to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, certification requirements.

Campus energy conservation awareness efforts have included a WheeSAVE informational campaign, which has promoted such actions as turning lights off, and a student residence hall competition to reduce energy and water use. Student groups, including the Eco CATS, have sponsored conservation events, and Bishop and Virginia Fowler ’00 MPA ’02, assistant director for facilities with the residential living department, co-taught a class during the fall for the EcoPEAKS student living-learning community centered on promoting energy awareness.

In February, Western Carolina will participate in a national teach-in designed to generate discussion about solutions for global warming. Last year, the event drew more than 1,000 students, faculty and staff members. 

This spring, Western Carolina will hire an energy services company to comprehensively assess campus energy use, identify conservation measures and install equipment or institute changes to reduce energy consumption. The cost of the project will be paid from money the university saves in energy costs as a result of the improvements, a method known as a performance contract. The energy savings are guaranteed by the energy services company, which absorbs the expenses if savings are not realized.

“Conservation is key to reducing our carbon paw print, and key to conservation is awareness of what we can each do to reduce our energy use,” said Bishop.