Education and energy savings on the curriculum at Clark College

Petta believes a barrier to making energy upgrades is showing energy efficiency is achievable and can lead to significant expense savings. Conserving energy and cash holds true at Clark College– since 2006 the school has included three structures amounting to 200,000 square feet and hasnt seen an increase in utility expenses. The energy savings from the recently installed devices has actually helped offset the energy expenses of the growing school.
BOC is a nationwide program that trains and licenses structure operators on the most current technologies and techniques for keeping devices, increasing occupant convenience, enhancing energy efficiency, and lowering energy costs. “The finest thing our Energy Trust energy advisor told us was that if you do not see the devices listed, just ask and they can work with you to establish a customized solution,” said Petta.

Image credit: Clark College.
” I think we have a responsibility to show the more youthful generations and other staff the significance of conserving energy. Its also just a great business decision,” stated Petta. Conserving energy and money is true at Clark College– given that 2006 the campus has actually included 3 structures amounting to 200,000 square feet and hasnt seen an increase in utility bills. The energy savings from the newly set up equipment has actually helped balance out the energy expenses of the growing campus.
Clark College likewise got Energy Trust cash rewards, made possible by NW Natural consumers, for taking part in Building Operator Certification (BOC) training. BOC is a nationwide program that trains and licenses building operators on the current innovations and techniques for keeping equipment, increasing occupant comfort, improving energy efficiency, and reducing energy costs. This nationally acknowledged accreditation offers building operators the tools and abilities to help in reducing energy operating expense by more than 2% in their structures.
Two Clark College upkeep workers took advantage of the program prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. Their training helped the team understand how to run structure systems more effectively and optimize energy usage to avoid waste. Thanks to their BOC training, the upkeep group was able to rapidly shift operations and reprogram their systems to turn off many of the year when the school was closed in action to the pandemic.
Partnering with Energy Trust before starting a task has actually been crucial to the colleges success. “The best thing our Energy Trust energy advisor told us was that if you dont see the equipment listed, just ask and they can work with you to develop a custom-made service,” stated Petta. “The relationship weve had with Energy Trust and the jobs weve been able to complete– although it may appear tough sometimes– have actually been a great advantage to Clark College for many years. I would advise any entity to take part in the program and pursue energy efficiency improvements.”.
To learn more on existing structure residential or commercial property upgrades, call 1.866.605.1676 or email existingbuildings@energytrust.org.

Image credit: Clark College.
” Sustainable is achievable” is the driving force behind Clark Colleges Facilities Services team, according to Timothy Petta, director of centers services. Petta handles center maintenance and capital jobs across the 810,000-square-foot college campus in Southwest Washington.
This early undertaking of energy preservation was the incentive of the colleges sustainability group. The campus now incorporates 26 structures and Pettas group continually looks for opportunities to make the school as energy effective as possible.
The roadway to savings hasnt constantly been simple. Petta thinks a barrier to making energy upgrades is showing energy effectiveness is attainable and can result in substantial expense savings. Working with Energy Trust of Oregon has actually made his position on the schools Facilities and Master Planning Committee, where he reports on major jobs, a bit much easier. “Over the years weve been able to show the advantages of energy effectiveness and make a great case for why we should invest in more energy-efficient improvements” said Petta.
Clark College has worked with Energy Trust and NW Natural on more than 10 projects ranging from brand-new foodservice equipment to tankless water heating systems to high-efficiency boilers and even a custom-made demand control ventilation task. These projects have actually lowered the colleges usage of natural gas by an approximated 30,100 therms annually, improved their return on investment and allowed them to execute additional campus enhancements.