In May 2024, Facilities introduced three, new, electric transit vans to the University’s fleet of vehicles.

In a world where the impact of climate change is becoming increasingly evident, sustainable initiatives are the need of the hour. Embracing this responsibility, Montclair has taken another step towards reducing its carbon footprint by replacing three aging work vans with Ford E-Transit electric vehicles. This move marks a significant stride towards sustainability, showcasing our commitment to environmental conservation and serving as a model for campuses across the country as laid out in the Facilities Sustainability Plan.

Let’s take a look at the various benefits of this upgrade, highlighting the advantages of electric vehicles, and their impact on a greener future.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

Transportation is one of the leading sources of carbon dioxide emissions globally. By adopting electric vehicles, our campus is taking a significant step towards reducing its carbon footprint. Traditional vehicles powered by gasoline or diesel emit harmful greenhouse gases (GHG) during their operation. In contrast, Ford E-Transit electric vehicles produce zero direct emissions, leading to a substantial reduction in on-site carbon emissions. This transition aligns with our institution’s sustainability goals and demonstrates our commitment to combatting climate change.

GHG emissions avoided:

Gas-powered vans use approximately 30.9 gallons of gas per month x 3 vans = 92.7 gallons per month x 12 months = 1,112.4 gallons per year.

Per the , this equals 9.9 metric tons of CO₂e avoided per year.

Typically, we would calculate the emissions associated with the electricity used to charge the vehicles, which would have been approximately 3.4 metric tons per year. However, it’s important to note that the emissions associated with Montclair’s grid-supplied electricity generation are offset by the Renewable Energy Credits we purchase.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Electric vehicles are more efficient than their conventional counterparts. Electric vehicles utilize regenerative braking technology, which charges the batteries while braking to become more efficient while driving in city conditions, ideal for driving around campus. With the new EVs, our campus will benefit from enhanced energy efficiency, translating into reduced operational costs. By relying on electricity as a fuel source, we can take advantage of potential cost savings in the long run, diverting these funds towards further sustainable initiatives on campus.

Over the last month, the vans have been charged once per week. Which means that their battery capacity is more than sufficient for our use. We used 279 kWh (kilowatt hours) of electricity to charge all three vans. With the cost of electricity approximately $0.12 per kWh, we have spent about $33 over this time period on electricity.  A comparable gasoline van uses approximately 30.9 gallons of gasoline per month and the current gasoline average price that we pay is $2.62 per gallon.

Cost to run gas-powered vans:

30.9 gallons x $2.62 = $80.95 per van  x 3 vans = $242.87 per month.

Cost to run electric vans:

279 kWh x $0.12 = $33.48 per month

Cost Savings:

$242.87 – $33.48 = $209.39 per month or $2,512.68 per year!

Improved Air Quality

By transitioning a portion of the University’s fleet to electric, our campus is reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, which means cleaner air for everyone on campus. The elimination of exhaust pollutants, such as nitrogen oxide and particulate matter, contributes to improving the overall air quality and promoting a healthier environment. The university is setting an example of responsible environmental stewardship, ensuring a sustainable and livable future for generations to come.

Noise Pollution Reduction

Internal combustion engines in traditional vehicles generate noise pollution, contributing to the urban discord we often encounter. By switching to electric vehicles, our University will experience a significant reduction in noise pollution, providing a more peaceful and conducive environment for students, faculty, and visitors. The whisper-quiet operation of the electric vans ensures a serene campus atmosphere while promoting an overall sense of well-being.

Positive Influence on Students

The adoption of electric vehicles on campus not only reduces environmental impact but also instills a sense of environmental responsibility in our students. By witnessing sustainable practices in action, students are inspired to become inspired make environmentally conscious decisions in their own lives. The integration of electric vehicles into our campus fleet serves as a powerful educational tool, encouraging students to embrace sustainability and actively participate in shaping a greener future.

The introduction of electric vehicles on our campus marks a transformative moment in our sustainability journey. By embracing this eco-friendly upgrade, we are significantly reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and demonstrating our commitment to a greener future. This transition showcases our dedication to responsible environmental stewardship, inspiring students, faculty, and the wider community to embrace sustainable practices. As we drive towards sustainability, the adoption of electric vehicles on campus is a testament to our institution’s vision for a more environmentally conscious and prosperous tomorrow.

This relates directly to the Facilities Sustainability Plan Goal 04-3: Reduce Scope 1 emissions generated by campus fleet vehicles.

Learn more about Sustainable Facilities!

This project replaced 18 CFL fixtures with 18 LED fixtures. While CFLs are about 70% more efficient than incandescent lighting, they contain mercury and require special handling for disposal as a hazardous material.

This upgrade will yield an annual savings of $2,260 ($1,418 in energy + $842 in maintenance) and 12,889 kWh.

The project was managed by the office of Capital Planning & Project Management with the contractor Big Shine Energy.

This relates directly to the Facilities Sustainability Plan Goal 01-3: Reduce campus-wide energy use intensity.

Learn more about Sustainable Facilities!

The original field lighting at the stadium consisted of 204 metal-halide fixtures which used approximately 296,820 kWh of electricity per year. The new lights are LEDs that will only use 143,560 kWh of electricity. That’s an energy reduction of nearly 52% and a projected annual savings of almost $25,000!

The 153,260 kWh of electricity saved is equal to almost 240,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide emissions. For perspective, that savings is the same as removing 23 cars from the road or the amount of carbon dioxide removed by 129 acres of forest.

Additionally, the conversion has significantly improved the field lighting from its existing conditions. Light levels in the infield increased on average from 65 lumens to 100 lumens and in the outfield from 45 lumens to 70 lumens. This meets broadcasting standards that will allow games played at Yogi Berra Stadium to be televised on ESPN and other national networks.

The project was managed by the office of Capital Planning & Project Management with the contractor Big Shine Energy.

Graphic courtesy of Big Shine Energy

This relates directly to the Facilities Sustainability Plan Goal 01-3: Reduce campus-wide energy use intensity.

Learn more about Sustainable Facilities!

University Facilities has partnered with to encourage our students, faculty, and staff to choose reusable water bottles over single-use plastic bottles.

Fill it Forward works with to make a difference around the world. Each time you refill your bottle and scan the QR code, you’ll unlock a “donation” that will be given to a charitable organization. It costs you nothing but makes a huge difference to those in need! Be a part of the Montclair Fill it Forward team!

How Does It All Work?

Soon you’ll see signs with a QR code at the bottle fillers on campus which you can scan to participate in this program.

By downloading the Fill it Forward app from the or and signing up using your ÌÇÐÄvlog email address, you’ll be able to:

• Join the Red Hawks Reuse group and track our collective environmental impact
• Track your individual environmental impact
• Contribute to meaningful
• Get automatic entry into our monthly prize draws each time you scan the QR code

If you don’t want to use the app, simply scan the QR code with your phone’s camera to activate the donation via an internet browser. You’ll be able to contribute to the charitable project, but you won’t get all of the benefits listed above.

Keep Contributing Off Campus

In addition to the posters at bottle fillers, you can have your own QR code sticker to put on your water bottle. Stickers are available for free at the Student Center Information Desk.

Find a Bottle Filler

Check our list to find one near you.

Send questions to sustainable-facilities@montclair.edu

This partnership relates directly to our Facilities Sustainability Plan, Goal 02-1: Reduce waste generation.

Learn more about water on campus.

HVAC systems are among the largest energy consumers in buildings, accounting for 75% of a building’s total energy usage, see the chart below. Implementing a scheduling strategy allows precise control over when the system operates, ensuring it operates only when needed. By adjusting temperature settings or turning off the system during unoccupied hours, energy consumption is significantly reduced. This leads to lower utility bills and a noticeable reduction in energy expenses. At Montclair we currently run the majority of our HVAC with little to no scheduling setbacks.

Pie chart of end use distribution for academic buildings.

Constantly running HVAC systems can lead to additional wear and tear, shortening their lifespan and increasing maintenance costs. Scheduling allows for periods of rest, reducing the strain on equipment and promoting longevity. This leads to fewer breakdowns and the need for fewer repairs, saving both time and money.

HVAC scheduling doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing comfort. By intelligently setting up schedules based on occupancy patterns, occupants can enjoy a comfortable environment during their working or living hours. Maintaining optimal indoor conditions enhances occupant satisfaction and can lead to increased productivity in work and learning environments.

On-site example – Children’s Center

In May 2023 we implemented schedules in the Ben Samuel’s Children Center. The occupied temperatures were left as-is, but unoccupied setbacks were added and an unoccupied schedule was established. We reduced the unoccupied heat temperature by 10° and increased the unoccupied cooling temperature by 4° when the building was empty, nights and weekends. Previously the HVAC was maintaining 72° 24/7. The chart below shows the impact on the electric usage during this month alone.

Impact of HVAC scheduling in May 2023 vs May 2022.

The blue line represents the electric usage for a two-week period in May 2023, while the orange line is the same period in 2022.   The low dips in the blue line are the overnight and weekend times when the HVAC systems was running on the unoccupied schedule, with the difference resulting in energy savings.

The total reduction for one month was 10,257 kWh or 30.2%, which equates to a savings of $1,733/month for one building, during one of the more temperate months of the year. Expanding this initiative across campus can save the university hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.

HVAC scheduling is a smart and proactive approach to optimizing energy consumption, reducing costs, and enhancing both environmental and occupant well-being. By implementing a well-thought-out HVAC scheduling strategy, building owners and managers can create a balance between comfort and efficiency, contributing to a sustainable and comfortable indoor environment.

This relates directly to the Facilities Sustainability Plan Goal 01-3: Reduce campus-wide energy use intensity and annual energy costs.

Learn more about Sustainable Facilities!

Russ Hall, built in 1915, had over 300 lighting fixtures upgraded from fluorescent to LED fixtures. The new fixtures will result in an energy savings of 132,606 kWh per year!

The project was managed by the office of Capital Planning & Project Management with the contractor Big Shine.

How these savings translate:

Graphic courtesy of Big Shine.

Learn more about Sustainable Facilities!

]]> /facilities/2023/08/07/russ-hall-lighting-retrofit/feed/ 0 /facilities/wp-content/uploads/sites/57/2023/08/russ-hall-detail-300x196.jpg /facilities/2023/03/16/surplus-furniture-program/ /facilities/2023/03/16/surplus-furniture-program/#respond Thu, 16 Mar 2023 13:17:24 +0000 /facilities/?p=209920 In an effort to reduce the amount of waste we send to the landfill, the Division of University Facilities has created the Surplus Furniture Program to manage the redistribution of furniture and other assets on campus.

What Does this Mean for You?

If you have a piece of University furniture that you no longer need or want, or you are in need of a piece of furniture, you can enter a request online via .

Log into Maximo using your University NetID/Password. Click on the “Move Request Tab” and choose the “Furniture Move Request” subcategory. After we receive your request, someone from our staff will reach out to discuss your needs.

Learn more about Sustainable Facilities!

The University will receive Green-e® certified RECs which are independently verified by the Center for Resource Solutions and represent the environmental benefits of one megawatt-hour of renewable energy. Over the course of the agreement, the RECs purchased contribute to support CO2 emissions avoidance by more than 7,600 metric tons, while matching 100% of the University’s forecasted retail electricity consumption from the grid. .

Learn more about Sustainable Facilities!

We are pleased to announce that we have received our !

Quick Facts from the Scorecard:

Campus Source Energy Use Intensity (kBtu/ft²):

• Montclair State’s Source EUI: 243
• Median Source Source EUI: 210
• Montclair State ranked 10 out of the 15 respondents that submitted energy usage data in our climate zone.
• Montclair State ranked 17 out of the 28 R2: Doctoral Universities with high research activity that submitted energy usage data.

Campus Site Energy Use Intensity (kBtu/ft²):

• Montclair State’s Site EUI: 212
• Median Source Site EUI: 130
• Montclair State ranked 12 out of the 15 respondents that submitted energy usage data in our climate zone.
• Montclair State ranked 24 out of the 28 R2: Doctoral Universities with high research activity that submitted energy usage data.

Campus Water Use Intensity (gal/ft²):

• Montclair State’s WUI: 15
• Median Source WUI: 20
• Montclair State ranked 5 out of the 11 respondents that submitted energy usage data in our climate zone.
• Montclair State ranked 3 out of the 16 R2: Doctoral Universities with high research activity that submitted water usage data.

See real-time energy & water usage on our Energy Dashboards.

Learn more about at Montclair State.

The project was managed by the office of with the contractor Big Shine.

How these savings translate:

Graphic courtesy of Big Shine.

Read about the previous Recreation Center lighting upgrade project.

Learn more about !