Last April, Sacramento Municipal Utility District began testing a a very interesting, and potentially very effective, behavior modification program to promote energy conservation. In short, randomly selected customers receive an energy bill that directly compares their energy usage to those of 100 homes of similar size AND 20 neighbors energy-efficient neighbors. Conserve energy - earn a smiley face. Use too much energy, look greedy by comparison. It is an interesting concept that could help consumers put their own energy consumption in perspective. Thus far, Sacramento's program was brought slight results with 2% more energy reduction in households with comparison statements (as opposed to normal statements with no comparison). You can read more about Sacramento's comparison statement in the New York Times article, Utilities Turn Their Customers Green, With Envy, here:
This is a practice that would be excellent to have at UNC, as well. However, due to the huge diversity of building sizes, types, and systems, it is not as easy as comparing residential energy consumption. It requires an investment in sub-meters, tracking software systems, and a dedicated staff that understands the unique qualities of each building in order to interpret the data.
Enter the Energy Management team! Working from within the for the Facilities Services department, Energy Management is working towards "an energy consumption database reflecting monthly usage for all utilities including water. This will provide an ability to monitor monthly and annual energy and water consumption for steam, electricity, chilled water, water, natural gas and propane. Additionally it will provide the ability to compare one building to another, one month to another for either a specific building or a building type, and also to compare building types." (UNC Chapel Hill 2008 Strategic Energy and Water Plan)
Exciting, huh! So what is the potential for this system? In the short term, it allows us the ability to track resource consumption across the university. For an example of that, check out the touch-screen building dashboard in Morrison Residence Hall. In the long term, the opportunities are limitless!
-Brian Cain, Research & Outreach Manager, UNC Sustainability Office
