Jay Pearlman: The Humble Utility Log Can Help Promote Sustainability

Jay Pearlman

Facilities and physical plant managers must be front and center in sustainability efforts on campus. They are key participants because they manage the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions on campus—buildings—which account for 70 to 80 percent of an institution’s carbon footprint. Also, they have access to several tools that can help shape and contribute to effective, realistic, and fundable sustainability plans.

Previously, I discussed using the deferred-maintenance backlog and the work-order system to identify opportunities that will better deploy manpower, resources, and capital. Another tool facilities managers can use to help with sustainability efforts are utility logs—the mundane and detailed reports of energy usage and costs. These reports can serve not only as a management tool for facilities, but also as a means to monitor efforts across campus and motivate everyone to do their part to reduce energy use and carbon emissions. It makes sense to look at energy-management reports because so much of our greenhouse gas output is tied directly to fossil fuel burned. The key is to focus on reducing consumption.

Look for data that can engage the community and motivate people to think about their personal roles in energy consumption and sustainability. Then publish that data in public forums that have visibility and generate discussion—maybe a link on the institution’s Web site, a monthly or weekly energy dashboard, or a regular feature in the campus newspaper. Setting goals and showing progress can motivate a continuous commitment from all audiences on campus. You don’t have to stop there, though. Many newer buildings have sophisticated control systems. Can you challenge departments to change their temperature settings? Can you encourage dorms to compete to lower energy use? Try to make such efforts as real as possible and show everyone at the institution that what they do matters.

You will be surprised by what you can accomplish if you use your utilities to measure—and celebrate—successes. —Jay Pearlman

Jay Pearlman, a Buildings & Grounds guest blogger this summer, is director of product development for Sightlines, a consulting firm that focuses on campus facilities management and environmental stewardship. You can read his earlier posts here.