Boston College

Celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, Boston College (BC) is one of the nation’s best and most selective universities, conferring more than 4,000 degrees annually in more than 50 fields through eight schools and colleges.

Partnering with NSTAR, BC has been involved with many energy efficiency projects. Recently, it completed several lighting projects in areas totaling over a half-million square feet, including athletic and administrative buildings. The projects included interior and exterior lighting and controls, and replacement of existing fixtures with high efficiency fluorescent or LED options. Savings from these projects alone total over one million kWh, with other savings also realized through reduced cooling loads in the summer.

These savings, along with NSTAR incentives, allow BC to invest money back into its campus and to create more efficiency projects. Last summer, BC replaced 700 dorm refrigerators with Energy Star-rated units that will result in reduced electrical costs and cooling loads. BC is also updating its HVAC building controls and sequences to take advantage of modern efficiency measures. These upgrades save electricity, chilled water, steam, hot water and natural gas. An upgraded 370,000 square foot 650 Boiler Horsepower Steam plant at the University's Newton Campus now includes efficient steam boilers, with fully automated load management capabilities. This plant was also converted from oil to natural gas.

In keeping with its commitment to encourage students to serve the best interests of the world around them, BC actively involves undergraduates in many energy efficiency activities. Projects include the NRG Games, where students take part in an energy reduction competition over the winter, and the distribution of 7,000 energy-efficient light bulbs. This summer, an entire wing of a student residence hall will be dedicated to sustainable living, as will some staff offices. BC also has a sustainability forum, at which energy projects and savings goals are shared with students.

In addition, BC has signed an agreement with NSTAR to achieve 2,000,000 kWh in energy savings annually. This goal and other student-related efforts exemplify BC’s mission to develop innovative leadership among its students, who as graduates will use their knowledge and talents with vision, justice and concern for all people.