CCDC Implements Comprehensive Energy Savings Project

In an effort to reduce energy usage, the Church of Christ at Dartmouth College (CCDC) has recently completed lighting updates and a solar panel installation. The church is lucky to have as a member, Steve Shadford, who has helped guide the church in these efforts as they move to a heavier reliance on renewable energy.  Steve, a mechanical engineer, worked for Dartmouth from 2008-2017 implementing the College’s energy plan.

Solar panels on CCDC roof

As a member of CCDC’s Stewardship Committee, Steve was interested in improving lighting efficiency—a simple, but effective way to reduce energy use. Three strategies were used, producing significant savings. Fixtures in high-use areas were replaced with new LEDs with built-in occupancy and dimming controls. Fixtures in general-use areas were retrofitted with new LED lamps and matching ballasts, and last, but not least, screw-in incandescent lamps were replaced with LEDs.

Seeking to minimize the church’s capital outlay for the project, Steve consulted with Andrew Hatch of Resilient Buildings Group who works with Liberty Utilities’ commercial customers in the Upper Valley to promote energy efficiency projects.  Andrew provided suggestions and information about the NHSaves incentive program and an available 0% interest, 5 yr. loan to pay for the upgrades.  As a result, the church did not have to provide any up-front capital for the lighting upgrade project and is paying off the loan through its monthly energy savings, requiring little impact on the church budget.

Once the improvements were made, the church got immediate feedback on its energy savings.In the 22 months since its lighting upgrade, the church has reduced its overall electrical energy use by about 40%.CCDC has reduced its annual energy use from 46,000 kWH to around 26,000 kWH/yr. which translates to $3,000/yr. (@$.015/kwh.). In addition, the church has reduced its annual carbon emissions by about 6.6 tons!

This was just the beginning!  CCDC’s Green Team favored rooftop solar to cover the church’s electrical use, but delayed the solar project until the lighting upgrades were complete.  As a result, 40% fewer solar panels were required to cover the electrical needs of the church because of the decrease in electricity usage.  This resulted in an initial cost reduction of about $50,000 for the recently-installed rooftop solar system which was activated in November.

The third phase in the church’s energy program is a study by Maclay Architects from Waitsfield, VT, to look not just at energy, but to develop more flexible and efficient space utilization for the whole church.  Then new low or no carbon energy heating/cooling systems which are suitable for the new space utilization will be considered.  The intention is to move to net zero carbon emissions over a period of time in a planned and phased manner.

The architectural study will include the building envelope, HVAC, electrical, structural, life-safety and renewable energy systems. By taking a deeper, holistic view and developing a flexible-use, plan, CCDC is hoping to end up with an easier-to-use, and much more efficient building — powered, heated and cooled by renewable energy sources.