The University of New Brunswick in Fredericton’s “Energy Management” program is one of the longest standing programs of its kind in the Atlantic region. 

From 1996 to 2008 the University completed 63 energy efficiency projects which focused on lighting, scheduling and equipment.  These projects resulted in annual energy cost avoidances of about $465,000, and have an estimated payback of 4.4 years.

According to Energy Manager Rick Watson, a growing sense of urgency within the University community of the need to develop and implement more sustainable practices is a key driver for increased efforts in energy efficiency.  “There is also a strong desire to be more efficient and lower costs, and to invest in projects that will directly benefit infrastructure renewal,” he said. 

Therefore, in 2009, on the recommendation of the Energy Management Review Committee, the University’s Board of Governors approved the Campus Wide Total Building Energy Improvement Program, an amendment to the current Energy Management Program.

This amendment has set new ambitious targets for energy and emissions reductions on the campus. Over the next five to seven years the university will invest about $7 million in energy efficiency projects with a projected annual cost saving of $875,000 and an eight-year payback.  These projects will reduce greenhouse (GHG) gas emissions by over 7,000 tonnes CO₂ annually, the equivalent of taking 1215 cars of the road. 

With this level of funding it is expected that all campus buildings will get efficiency upgrades. Approximately 70 % of projects will work toward infrastructure renewal with the remaining investment focused on equipment and energy enhancements specific to reducing energy intensity.

Since the “total building approach” began the University has initiated over $2 million in projects, mainly in the engineering faculty buildings. These projects alone will result in $206,000 in annual energy cost avoidances and a GHG reduction of 1564 tonnes CO_2.  An additional 17 buildings have been audited and the next group of projects will focus on student residences, dining halls and a number of public buildings.

Energy consultant Carman Travis of MCW Maricor nominated UNB Fredericton for the Energy Efficiency Champion Award for the Commercial Sector.  “The university has uniquely positioned itself as a leader in technology, training and best practices, which has allowed them to tackle energy efficiency from both an investment perspective and an operational one. Their Facilities Management team practices energy management as part of its daily work which allows for continuous improvement and optimization of buildings operations going beyond the initial investment,” Carman said. 

The university is a leader in technology advancement and Carman says it has been a stepping stone for many energy conservation concepts and strategies that have been rolled out in industry.