U-M to receive EPA award at EnergyFest 2003

September 10, 2003
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  • umichnews@umich.edu

ANN ARBOR—The University of Michigan will receive a 2002 Energy Star Combined Heat and Power Award (CHP) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy on Sept. 16.

Christian Fellner from the EPA will present the award to two engineers representing U-M’s Central Power Plant at noon at EnergyFest 2003 on the north steps of the Hatcher Graduate Library.

The Energy Star CHP Award is given annually to leaders who increase the nation’s electric generation efficiency through development of highly efficient CHP projects. U-M is receiving the award for efficiency achieved in its Central Power Plant during 2002. The power plant is a natural gas-burning, co-generation facility that produces steam for heating and cooling as well as electricity for the central and medical campuses.

“We are very pleased to receive this recognition from the Environmental Protection Agency,” said Richard Robben, director of plant operations. “Our staff is committed to providing reliable, efficient electricity and steam to our campus community in a manner that has minimal environmental impact.”

The award will be presented to Bill Weakley, plant operations engineer, and Danny Jones, Central Power Plant operating engineer, at the University’s 8th annual EnergyFest on the Central Campus Diag, which features exhibits and displays promoting awareness of local and campus energy conservation efforts. Co-sponsored by the University’s plant operations department and the Center for Sustainable Systems, the event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with local rock band Oblivion performing from noon to 1 p.m. The displays and exhibits also will be shown Sept. 17 on North Campus in the Media Union connector.

In making the CHP award to U-M, the EPA noted the Central Power Plant uses 18 percent less fuel than comparable on-site thermal generation and purchased electricity, thereby annually reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 85,000 tons and nitrogen oxide emissions by 120 tons, while saving enough natural gas to heat 17,000 homes.

Information about the Energy Star CHP Award can be viewed at www.epa.gov/chp. Information about U-M’s Energy Management efforts can be viewed at http://www.plantops.umich.edu/utilities/energy_management/

Questions about EnergyFest 2003 can be directed to Yoshiko Hill, U-M’s energy management engineer, at (734) 764-2492.

www.epa.gov/chp