POWERING PROGRESS

FACILITIES FOCUSGreen Edition 2012

WHAT WE DO at the phys plant

COVER | Powering progress |Martin Covell, roofer II, inspects the solar panels on top of the MSU Surplus Store and Recycling Center that help to power the building.

SPECIAL MESSAGE | AVP letter |2Assistant Vice President for Physical Plant Ron Flinn explains how the Physical Plant is helping MSU meet its sustainability goals.

FEATURE | Phys Plant energy initiatives | 3–6Learn about how the Physical Plant spearheads various aspects of energy conservation.

AT A GLANCE | Better Buildings Challenge | 7–8MSU is participating in a federal initiative asking energy leaders to reduce their energy consumption by 20 percent by the year 2020.

AROUND THE ‘PHYS’ | Green practices | 9–12The Physical Plant leads by example in reducing waste and employing green practices in its operations.

FEATURE | Electric vehicle charging stations | 13–14The Physical Plant is leading the charge in the realm of eco-friendly transportation.

Jordan Russell, technical assistant I, monitors mechanical and electrical systems and equipment across campus inside Central Control.

Photo by Holly Balentine

FACILITIES FOCUS

pp.msu.edu | twitter: MSUPhysPlant | find us on facebook | youtube.com/PhysicalPlantMSUP

This newsletter is printed with soy ink on 100 percent recycled paper (100 percent post-consumer). Please recycle in “Mixed” recycling bins.

Facilities Focus is published for all Physical Plant employees. It is also distributed to campus customers and key business contacts.

Our goal is to recognize the Physical Plant staff’s accomplishments and activities. If you have questions, comments or corrections, contact us at communications@pplant.msu.edu or via phone at 517-432-3629 or 517-432-0235.

To receive an electronic notice for each issue, subscribe to our list serv: e-mail listserv@list.msu.edu with “SUBSCRIBE PHYSPLANT-NEWS <your name here>” in the body of the message.

EDITORWill Whelton

STUDENT EDITORHolly Balentine

DESIGNERKayla Riis

WRITERSMichelle McCormickTaylor Hajek

Keeping things under control

FEATURE

Page 4

SPECIAL MESSAGE

Michigan State University is taking a bold step toward complete campus sustainability

with its Energy Transition Plan. Here at the MSU Physical Plant, we’re on the

front line, working to transform our campus through responsible stewardship, building renovation and energy research. As the facilities maintenance service provider for campus, our work strives to make all of MSU’s structures and practices as eco-friendly as possible.

Several of our crews are assigned to optimize energy efficiency through physical improvements, data monitoring and research. In many areas of campus, offices are constructed of recyclable material that can be re-used in the future. Our staff works with structures of all ages to identify areas of energy waste, adjust systems to run more efficiently, recommend improvements for more savings and implement those changes on a physical level. Energy educators teach building occupants how their building works and coach them on what they can do to conserve energy. In addition, our employees are investigating how alternative fuel sources can be used at MSU.

Our efforts have already produced solid results: after commissioning and repairs, Erickson Hall recorded a 39-percent reduction in energy use over the course of one year compared to pre-commissioning conditions. In January 2012, the T.B. Simon Power Plant attained a permit allowing it to increase the volume of biofuel it burns in its fluidized- bed boiler from 10 percent to 30 percent. The plant currently burns 30 tons of biofuel a day and is working its way up to 60 a day.

To take our accountability one step further, MSU is pleased to participate in the Better Buildings Challenge. The national initiative challenges the country’s energy leaders to be at least 20 percent more energy-efficient by 2020. MSU has committed to meet that goal and has named Anthony Hall as our showcase project.

Aside from energy reduction, the Physical Plant supports other practices for a greener earth. Our employees reduce landfill waste through our mini-basket program and by composting biodegradable materials. Our Division obtained several diesel oxidation catalysts through an EPA grant to reduce emissions of University vehicles. Moreover, the Division installed several public-use electric vehicle charging stations on campus, one of which was through a partnership with the Lansing Board of Water and Light, to encourage cleaner transportation.

This special Green Edition of Facilities Focus gives a brief overview of what the MSU Physical Plant is doing for our campus, our country, and our world. Along with the entire MSU community, we commit to meet our Energy Transition Plan goals and take determined steps forward to create a greener world.

A letter from the Assistant Vice President...

2012 | 2

Ron Flinn Assistant Vice PresidentMSU Physical Plant “Here at the MSU

Physical Plant, we’re on the front line, working to transform our campus through responsible stewardship, building renovation and energy research.”

-Ron Flinn, assistant vice president for Physical Plant

On the Physical Plant’s supporting role in MSU’s energy, sustainability goals.

Photo by Mike Schlotterback, Fisheye Photography

Invest in sustainable energy research and

development

Improve the physical

environment

Become an educational

leader in sustainable

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Become a living-learning laboratory Share our processMSU’s Energy

Transition Plan

at the MSU Physical Plant

FEATURE

FACILITIES FOCUS

Bill Lakos, energy analyst, explained, “I look at energy from both ends of the wire, from production to how it is used on campus.”

Lakos tracks data to identify areas for improvement and validate that conservation measures are effective.

“We’re trying to see how changing one piece of the puzzle impacts the rest of the operation,” he said. Lakos is currently creating building profiles by determining the minimum amount of energy the buildings need to function and suggesting changes to attain that number.

The building profile system is an innovative approach Michigan State is using to determine which buildings offer the greatest opportunity for energy savings. Building profiling is the first step in a multi-step process Michigan State intends to apply to buildings across campus to increase energy efficiency. For more information on this process and how it is being implemented at Anthony Hall as part of the Better Buildings Challenge, see page 7.

effecting change

MSU has always been energy-conscious, but the Physical Plant is going

a step further by consolidating several new conservation efforts. The formation of the Energy and Environment department will help MSU meet Energy Transition Plan goals as well as strengthen a legacy of environmental awareness.

Lynda Boomer, energy and environmental engineer, has been working on energy initiatives with MSU for several years and is glad for the change. The new department will streamline efficiency to help meet the goals.

One key element of the new department is the energy educator program. The educators inform building occupants about better energy-use habits as well as make simple, beneficial adjustments in buildings’ mechanical rooms. There have already been significant reductions in both steam and electrical

use for the six pilot buildings. “What we’re trying to do is not

mandate, but encourage people to turn it off if they are not using it,” Boomer explained. “We need the energy educators out on campus informing people what they can do and what their impact is.”

Energy educators work with student groups such as the U.S. Green Building Council chapter and the Sustainability Action Committee co-chaired by Professor Paulette Stenzel in the College of Business. The student groups birth ideas such as MSU’s participation in Campus Conservation Nationals. On campuses across the country, two or more residence halls compete over the course of a month to see which can lower its energy use the most. Bryan and Emmons halls are participating at MSU. (Their consumption is being tracked at energydashboard.msu.edu.)

In addition to face-to-face involvement, the analytical side of the project is critical for measuring progress and ensuring results.

E N E R G Y I N I T I AT I V E SThe Physical Plant is proud to be at the forefront of MSU’s green initiatives. Its departments and crews

work together to pursue sustainability on both ends of the wire. Story by Holly Balentine

2012 | 4

keeping things under control

Central Control, , a portion of Building Services, is the hub for monitoring mechanical

and electrical systems and equipment in buildings across campus. Boomer emphasized that it is the “heart and soul of [MSU’s] energy management.”

Stacy Nurenberg, Central Control supervisor, explained that each building on campus is set up with digital controllers that monitor heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and other systems. Each controller is able to turn functions on and off as well as report

the status of how they are running. Central Control manages and monitors

MSU’s building automation system. The system allows employees to analyze the measurements and make adjustments remotely instead of having to send an employee to the building. It also allows scheduling of equipment such as ventilation systems, campus streetlights, absorbers in the regional chilled water plant, and steam to hot water exchangers that provide perimeter heat in buildings.

Nurenberg explained that Central Control’s main goal is to optimize energy use. Every semester the team reassesses when and where classes are held so that equipment will only run when the

areas are occupied and will shut off at night and over weekends and holidays.

Before automation, the equipment was set on time clocks that were adjusted every four to six months. Now, Central Control is able to fine-tune schedules for efficiency every day. It receives requests from customers for after-hours activities and implements the changes if they are necessary. Nurenberg gave an example:

“We schedule a fan for a classroom during daytime hours, but then you have events at night. So we will daily optimize that schedule for equipment based on what’s going on in the building.”

In addition, Commissioning Services uses data from Central Control to catch systems as they start to go out-of-alignment. Thanks to Central Control, anything off-kilter can be addressed and adjusted before it causes unnecessary energy waste.

taking care of business

Commissioning Services, part of Building Services, works to ensure that campus

buildings operate as efficiently as possible while meeting occupant needs. The crew measures how systems are functioning and identifies steps to optimize performance in existing buildings, new construction and major renovation projects.

“The main mission is to make sure all facilities on campus are designed, constructed and tested to meet the needs of the occupants,” said Engineer III/S Jason Vallance, head of Commissioning Services. “We ask

‘Can it be optimally maintained? Can it be verified later that it is performing where it should be? Was the best design used to facilitate energy savings?’”

Commissioning Services is involved from the pre-construction stages through the long-term future. Analysis and optimization occur before a structure is built and after it has been standing

Former Engineering Aide IV David Williams tests the efficiency of building equipment as part of Commissioning Services.

Photo by Karen Zelt

for years. Moving into the future, new or newly adjusted systems will be aggressively monitored in a process called “continuous commissioning” to ensure efficiency is sustained.

The process is composed of several phases. First, the crew gathers all documentation indicating how a structure was originally supposed to work and any changes made since construction. Next, the crew measures performance of mechanical systems and may adjust some settings while on site. Then, the numbers are analyzed to determine areas of opportunity.

Findings are categorized into two types of action items: maintenance-and-repair items and energy-conservation measures. Maintenance-and-repair items are in disrepair and need to be addressed to attain equipment longevity. Energy-conservation measures are new methods and technologies. These measures may involve upgrading equipment or replacing entire systems.

Commissioning Services works closely with other Physical Plant teams to achieve its goals. Employees connect with energy educators from the Energy and Environment department to get a sense of trouble spots in the building. Central Control remotely identifies warning signs in equipment that will need attention soon. The Energy Systems Mechanical Alterations and Improvements crew completes the physical work that Commissioning identifies.

The team has mapped out a plan to commission all major general-fund and athletics buildings and Residential and Hospitality Services facilities over the next several years. After the first 100 or so are done, a schedule will be established for continuous commissioning so that as systems start to deviate from optimal performance they can be addressed immediately.

Vallance emphasized that the crew is not just chasing energy savings, but providing healthy indoor environments for better productivity.

“Our goal is to make it easier for the operators and occupants to maintain building systems and be productive in their workplaces, and energy savings will come along with that.”

FACILITIES FOCUS

making it happen

HVAC Services Supervisor John Phillipich is head of the new Energy Systems Mechanical

Alterations and Improvements crew. These employees do the physical work that Commissioning recommends.

The ESMAI crew performs maintenance and repair jobs as well as energy-conservation measures. One example would be changing a ventilation system that always circulates the same amount of air to a variable-air-volume system that measures carbon dioxide in the air and adjusts its output according to the number of occupants present. Instead of replacing just one motor or part, these technologies go a step above to attain optimal efficiency.

ESMAI contains several teams with different focus areas: a steam-trapping team, a vibration-analysis team, an HVAC-controls-installation team and HVAC mechanics. Phillipich assigns work orders to the specialized members or he might hire the appropriate crew within the Physical Plant. He explained,

“If our own teams can’t perform the work, we will arrange with Central Control; other skilled trades crews such as Electrical, Steam, Sheet Metal; HVAC Services within Physical Plant; or outside contractors to do the work.”

At its core, the crew was formed to streamline efficiency. “At first, the work on one project was going to each individual shop that was affected,” Phillipich said. “With the long-term commitment to the University, it was best to bring all the different factions together into one crew so we had centralized reporting and centralized administration of the projects.”

Phillipich has heard positive feedback from the people who are on his crew and is looking forward to the sustainable results they will achieve. “As we go back through and put things back to their design, back to the proper function, we will find that we are going to reduce the energy costs.”

2012 | 6

taking strides to cleaner fuel

The Power and Water department pursues green initiatives by using renewable fuels,

researching alternative energy and improving campus data collection.

The T.B. Simon Power Plant burns biomass as a step toward fewer emissions and cleaner air. Of the plant’s five boilers, one is a fluidized-bed boiler capable of burning renewable fuels. Bob Ellerhorst, director of utilities, and others worked for a year to expand the permit limiting biofuel volume. Now, the fluidized-bed boiler can burn 30 percent biofuel and the plant is even approved to introduce biomass to its pulverized coal boilers. In February 2012, the power plant engineers increased the amount of biofuel burned each day from 20 tons to 30 tons, working their way up to 60 a day.

The biofuel comes from collaboration with other Division and University departments. Plant waste collected by Landscape Services throughout the year is ground down into wood chips that feed the burners. The Kellogg Biological Station and the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences research switch grass as a renewable source to determine its yield per acre and its energy output. Once a year, the power plant receives a crop. In January, 10 tons out of the 30 tons daily of renewable energy was switch grass.

Another main initiative of the power plant employees is researching alternative energy sources, particularly wind. A year-long wind study in 2002 determined that MSU did not have the wind capacity to make a turbine profitable.

However, blade and gear technology have improved so much since then that the possibility is not out of reach. A team including Boomer and Ellerhorst is looking to see if wind energy is a feasible option for MSU. Currently, the team captures data with a ground-mounted instrument that

measures wind velocity with radio waves. Working with employees in Engineering and Architectural Services and Maintenance Services, the team plans to install a meteorological tower in the future. The tower will measure the wind at the exact elevation of interest and hopefully indicate the presence of adequate wind to power a turbine.

Solar energy is also being explored as a potential energy source. There is already a 40-kW solar array on the roof of the MSU Surplus Store and Recycling Center that generates 8 percent of its electrical use on a good day. The generation is highest in the afternoon around 2 to 3 p.m., which is conveniently when the building’s usage is highest. Before implementing anything, researchers “need to figure out for campus as a whole where solar makes sense,” Boomer explained, whether that means over certain parking lots or on the roofs of certain buildings that do not get shadowed throughout the day.

Precise data collection is a third area of focus. The T.B. Simon Power Plant is the metering agency for MSU. Electrical Engineer Rick Johnson and Environmental and Utilities Analyst Amanda Groll manage the utility metering program for campus. The installation of more meters across campus helps Boomer and team pinpoint trouble spots and provides more data to determine trends. Scott Gardner, engineer IV in the Engineering and Architectural Services department, identifies locations in construction areas where steam meters can go and Johnson, along with Maintenance staff, installs the real-time smart meters.

To top it all off, T.B. Simon Power Plant engineers are turning the lens upon the power plant itself, striving to lower the energy that is required to generate energy. With a team focus on efficiency and dedication to new opportunities, the power plant will be a key factor in MSU achieving energy transition goals.

Plant waste collected by Landscape Services throughout the year is ground down into wood chips that feed burners at the T.B. Simon Power Plant. The plant burns biomass as a step toward fewer emissions and cleaner air.

Photo by John Allison

MSU has named Anthony Hall as its first showcase project in the Better Buildings

Challenge. The Better Buildings Challenge asks the nation’s leaders in energy proficiency to commit to be at least 20 percent more energy efficient by 2020. The challenge is a small part of the Better Buildings Initiative launched by the federal government to invest in innovative clean-energy technologies.

MSU officials selected Anthony Hall through a unique building-profiling system (using historical data, energy use per square foot and more) and an energy audit of the building (identifying mechanical and related systems that may need to be replaced or updated). All mechanical systems in the building will be commissioned, or assessed and adjusted to ensure they are operating at the optimal level. The assessment will lead to the reparation of malfunctioning items and the installation of energy-conservation measures, new technologies that will take savings to the next level. To complete the cycle, MSU will “continuously commission” the building, or aggressively monitor the new or newly adjusted systems to ensure efficiency is sustained.

Energy-conservation measures that are planned for Anthony Hall include: installing or repairing insulation on chilled-water and hot-water piping systems; installing variable-speed drives on cooling tower fans; implementing demand-ventilation control strategies in auditoriums; installing air-quality sensors in laboratories; installing heat-recovery units in the exhaust air stream; connecting heat recovery to refrigeration units; and upgrading lighting and installing lighting controls.

Anthony Hall will be the first building at Michigan State to undergo this complete process, setting the blueprint for future energy-efficiency improvements in MSU’s aging building fleet.

AT A GLANCE

FACILITIES FOCUS

OCCUPANCY SENSORSturn lights off automatically when a room is empty.

TREE PLANTINGSprovide shade during the summer while maximizing solar gain in the winter.

AUTOMATED LIGHTSsave energy by being scheduled and analyzed remotely across campus.

Story by Taylor Hajek | Graphic by Kayla Riis

MSU takes up Better Buildings Challenge

2012 | 8

OPTIMIZING ENERGY USE involves timing equipment based on when classes or special events are scheduled.

ENERGY EDUCATORS inform building occupants across campus about better energy-use habits.

MONITORING SYSTEMS regulate building temperatures through digital controllers.

TUNING UP CAMPUS BUILDINGS As MSU moves to reduce energy consumption and transition to more renewable sources, it is necessary for the University’s hundreds of buildings to operate more efficiently. To do this, the Physical Plant is leading the way with several significant energy-conservation initiatives. These will build the foundation needed to make the transition to renewable-energy sources and meet campus energy-conservation goals.

AROUND THE ‘PHYS’

FACILITIES FOCUS

mini-basket program Story by Michelle McCormick

The Physical Plant is participating in the mini-basket pilot program, which encourages Michigan

State University employees to reduce waste sent to the landfill.

The idea is simple. Instead of throwing all waste into a trash can, employees are encouraged to use a small plastic container labeled “landfill only.” This is to remind them that most of their discarded items are actually recyclable.

“The goal is to increase recycling and decrease what goes to the landfill,” Communications Manager and Environmental Steward Karen Zelt said. “Now with everything that is recyclable at the MSU Surplus Store and Recycling Center, you only need a small basket for true waste. Everything else has a spot in the recycling stream.”

The mini basket was originally suggested by Custodial Services Manager Brandon Baswell. He brought the idea to the MSU Surplus Store and Recycling Center where the project was championed by Michael Mitchner, who was Operations Manager for Recycling and Waste Management at the time. The Physical Plant was asked to pilot the program.

“I could see that one day we might get to a point where virtually everything is recycled, and the spirit of the mini basket was to help people move that decision point to realize almost everything is recyclable,” Baswell said.

Since then, MSU Surplus Store and Recycling Center Facility Manager Ruth Daoust has taken over the project and introduced it to

the Natural Resources building.In the Physical Plant, the mini baskets

were first tested by some employees in Building Services and then spread to all employees in all Physical Plant buildings. It will soon be launched in the Natural Sciences building.

Piloting the program in select buildings allows the Recycling Center to determine what aspects of the program are successful and what can be improved.

Baswell said that the program has educated employees about how much can be recycled, and which materials fit in each category.

“When in doubt it is probably mixed paper,” he said. “Almost everything can go into the mixed paper and plastics.”

In addition to being good for the environment, increasing recycling efforts is also a benefit to the University economically.

“The big thing about recycling is the University gets money for recycling, and it spends money for landfill,” Baswell said.

“So it is almost a misuse of resources if you are not handling your recycling well.”

Zelt said that she has seen a real difference in the amount of recycling going on in her office, and the Environmental Stewards have noticed a shift as well.

“Based on feedback from other Physical Plant Environmental Stewards, seeing recycling bins full in the hallway, and witnessing colleagues emptying their mini baskets, it seems the program has been very successful at the Physical Plant,” Zelt said. “The mini basket is a really simple reminder of how many things are now recyclable and how easy recycling has become on campus.”

What can be recycled?

The following categories are accepted by MSU Recycling:

• White paper• Mixed paper• Newspaper• Cardboard• Boxboard• Plastic• Household metals

For more information about specific items that can be recycled visit: www.recycle.msu.edu

Green practices at the ‘Phys’The Physical Plant leads by example in reducing waste and employing green practices in its operations.

need could be more or less depending on the volume of the contents.

Nearly all waste that cannot be recycled can be composted. The list of acceptable materials includes yard waste like dry leaves, woody material and grass; food scraps such as egg shells, fruits, vegetables and coffee grounds; and paper products like newspaper, paper towel and tissues. Meat is the one notable exception that will not break down well.

The composter behind the Landscape Services building serves two lunchrooms. “Our employees have been really good about adding material to it,” Swartz said. The department has been using the composter for approximately eight months.

To have the most ideal conditions for decomposition, the mix should be approximately 80-percent dry or

“brown” material and 20-percent wet or “green” material. Small amounts of water should be added to the mix periodically to keep it damp.

Swartz said that the breakdown process takes about one to two months, depending on the appropriateness of the blend and the environmental conditions. “In summer, the breakdown is quick because of the warmer temperatures,” he explained. ”We were surprised at how quickly it composted.”

When the compost is ready to be used, it should look like rich, brown humus and no longer look like garbage. If portions of the mix are ready to be used but others are not, the composted parts can be shoveled out and the rest left to break down further.

Swartz said that other campus units should consider using composters as well. If there is enough outside space to host the device and enough users to produce a significant amount of waste, it is a realistic possibility.

“I think the main thing is that it gets material out of the waste stream. It’s a demonstration to make people aware of what can be done with composting,” Swartz said.

2012 | 10

landscape services composter Story by Holly Balentine

The mini basket program basket program (see story on page 9) implemented at the Physical

Plant got Campus Arborist/Landscape Services Coordinator Paul Swartz thinking. He noticed that most items being thrown in the baskets were food waste or materials that could be reused

in another way. When Swartz suggested that Landscape Services purchase a composter, Gerry Dobbs, Landscape Services manager, eagerly agreed.

Composters enable certain non-recyclable waste to decompose into nutrient-rich fertilizer. The large plastic container has a door on top to insert materials. It is suspended on an axel so employees can aerate the compost simply by rotating the container. Rotation occurs once or twice a week, but the

Campus Arborist/Landscape Services Coordinator Paul Swartz pours coffee grounds into a composter. The compost will be used to fertilize flower beds on campus.

Photo by Holly Balentine

FACILITIES FOCUS

stewardship-savvy building renovations Story by Taylor Hajek

Through the renovations of some of the largest buildings on campus, MSU is working hard to consume

the least amount of energy possible. One of the main goals while renovating

a campus building is allowing for natural lighting through windows, glass building materials and skylights. The implementation will reduce the usage of energy through artificial light. Amr Abdel-Azim, architect III, has already seen results with the Wells

grant. GLACC supports the community with alternative-energy funding and tries to find different ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation Services is a supporting member.

At one of GLACC’s events, Brian Wolfe, fleet services manager, approached Executive Director Maggie Striz Calnin to see if there were programs available for university fleets. He knew there were many cost-match programs available, but he was after something better.

“I didn’t want to burden departments with any cost-sharing opportunities,” Wolfe said. “This [program] made the most sense and was zero cost to the University.”

The parameters of the grant are that the EPA will pay to install the catalysts. The job will go out for bid to third-party vendors. After the devices are installed, the recipient party has a commitment to keep the vehicles for at least five years before selling them.

This success is another step toward MSU’s drive to decrease its carbon footprint. Wolfe explained, “There’s no one thing that’s going to be the end-all for the University. It’s going to be a combination of everything. And this is another item that we have control over, that we can do.”

msu wins diesel oxidation catalysts through epa grant Story by Holly Balentine

Arecent grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded MSU diesel oxidation

catalysts to install on 14 University vehicles. The new devices will reduce carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions by up to 50 percent.

The catalysts will be installed on vehicles from several departments: the Physical Plant’s Landscape Services with four, the Physical Plant’s Transportation Services with three charter busses, the Surplus Store and Recycling Center with five and University Stores with two.

The numbers are impressive. The DOCs reduce particulate matter (black soot) emissions by 20 percent, carbon monoxide emissions by 50 percent and hydrocarbons (unburned fuel) by 50 percent. The catalysts use a chemical process to convert harmful gasses such as nitric oxides and carbon monoxide into water.

MSU worked with the Greater Lansing Area Clean Cities organization, a local chapter of the nationwide Clean Cities organization to secure the EPA

CO

NOx

HC

Particulate

Carbon MonoxideHydrocarbon

Nitrogen Oxide

H2O Water

CO2 Carbon Dioxide

The new addition to Wells Hall allows for natural light to enter the building through windows and skylights. The use of natural light will eliminate the usage of energy through artificial light. Photo by Kayla Riis

Diesel oxidation catalysts use a chemical process to convert harmful gasses such as nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide into water.

2012 | 12

Hall renovation. “People don’t use the artificial lights because they have plenty of natural light,” Abdel-Azim said. “It adds a cheerful atmosphere to the space.”

Motion sensors play a key role in achieving this goal. Lynda Boomer, energy and environmental engineer, contrasts her older office with the new standard. “I have switches, but nowadays there’d be a little motion sensor there, so if I forget to turn off my lights the sensor would do it automatically.”

Another important aspect of MSU’s environmental initiatives is the use of sustainable building materials. One element used in newer offices is

Starwall, an eco-friendly demountable partition system. Panels that are mostly glass with an aluminum frame are assembled to create individual offices. Dean Geisenhaver, structural planner/inspector/analyst II, said “It’s mostly aluminum, and it’s all recyclable material.” Starwall is used at the Physical Plant, MSU Police Department and the Eppley Center. In another example, the carpet used in the Wells Hall renovation will be recyclable.

Water consumption is an area of focus during the renovation process as well. The updates in Wells Hall will include sustainable restrooms. Low-flow and

no-touch technologies used on faucets and toilets will reduce water usage. The low-flow aspect will reduce the amount of water consumed during use and motion sensors will eliminate water waste.

To take our efforts even further, the Physical Plant seeks to reduce pollution even in choosing building materials for its work. “Just to be green, we look for materials available on a regional basis,” Abdel-Azim said. “That is a reduction of transportation and fuel.”

The application of these renovations to older buildings as well as new proves MSU’s commitment to holistic sustainability.

The new addition to Wells Hall allows for natural light to enter the building through windows and skylights. The use of natural light will eliminate the usage of energy through artificial light. Photo by Kayla Riis

FEATURE

FACILITIES FOCUS

The Physical Plant is leading the charge in the realm of eco-friendly transportation. Story by Michelle McCormick

The Physical Plant is leading the charge in the pursuit for eco-friendly transportation with the

installation of five new electric vehicle charging stations around campus.

There are four stations located in the south Spartan Stadium parking lot and one in the parking ramp of the Kellogg Center.

Electrical Skilled Trades Supervisor John Nurenberg said he and his fellow electricians enjoyed the project. The crew took extra care

to make sure none of the trees at Spartan Stadium were disturbed when installing the stations. Welder II Dale Schmitt and Maintenance Mechanic II Randy Boutell used a directional boring machine, which is a method of installing underground conduits with minimal impact to the surrounding area, to eliminate the damage to trees and landscaping.

The electric vehicle charging station at the Kellogg Center is part of the Lansing Board of

PLUG . DRIVE . REPEAT.Water and Lights’s Plug-in Electric Vehicle Community Project.

The BWL received funding for this project through the Department of Energy using funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act from the Department of Energy. The goal of the program is to provide communities with electric charging station infrastructure in order to increase the use of green transportation.

In exchange for the charging station, Michigan State University will partner with BWL for three years. During that time MSU will provide BWL with charging data from the station, collect customer feedback, and periodically take surveys about the station.

There are currently two MSU staff members that drive Chevy Volts, but having the stations is beneficial to visitors on campus who need a charge, Nurenberg said.

“If we have students, guests or faculty that have electric cars, we have stations where they can charge them,” he said.

The way the station works is simple. Drivers can use a credit card or a key fob to access the station. Then all they have to do is plug in the vehicle.

“That’s as simple as it is,” Nurenberg said. “Plug it in, swipe your card and it charges it up.”

The station takes about four hours to charge an electric vehicle, and it is compatible with the Chevrolet Volt, Ford Transit Connect, Ford Focus Electric, BMW ActiveE and Nissan LEAF. These vehicles can be charged by plugging into a regular outlet, but it will take much longer.

There are many benefits to using

Photo by Kayla Riis

In this photo Jeremy Nobach (electrician II) installs an electric charging station on the second floor of the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, next to the skyway entrance.

out if their vehicle is done charging with mobile applications. ChargePoint America has an app for this and other similar apps include EV Charger Finder, Plug Share, Recargo and CarStations.

MSU’s charging stations won’t be the only ones in the area. The City of East Lansing is considering installing electric vehicle charging stations of its own. One would be located at the East Lansing Public Library and the other would be in downtown Lansing. If approved, the stations would be open for public use this year.

2012 | 14

Chevy Volt owner and MSU employee Matt Stehouwer charges his electric vehicle at the new electric vehicle charging station in the Kellogg Center ramp. This charging station is part of the Lansing Board of Water and Light's Plug-in Electric Vehicle Community Project. Photo by University Relations

electric vehicles. One of the main perks is that they are better for the environment. Energy and Environmental Engineer Lynda Boomer said combustion engines are not fuel efficient, so electric vehicles reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“With electric vehicles, even though you are plugging in and charging it with power plant electricity, it’s still fewer emissions than burning the fuel directly,” she said.

Many electric vehicles can use gas for longer drives when the owner cannot charge it as frequently, but they get more

miles per gallon than all-gas vehicles. The Chevy Volt, for example, gets 40 miles per gallon on the highway when using gas.

Another benefit of electric vehicles is the money drivers save at the pump.

“As fuel cost goes up, eventually I’m sure we will see more of these cars,” Nurenberg said.

New cellular phone technologies have also made driving an electric vehicle convenient. There is a cellular modem installed in every station that allows drivers to find charging stations, see if they are available for use and even find

Physical Plant DivisionPhysical Plant Building1147 Chestnut Road Room 119East Lansing, MI 48824

Meet your Phys Plant Environmental StewardsEnvironmental Stewards are building employees dedicated to keeping their buildings in line with the

“Be Spartan Green” mantra. They help fellow employees reduce energy and waste, increase reuse and recycling, and promote future environmental initiatives.

BUILDING SERVICES

Commissioning Services Qingwei Li qli@pplant.msu.edu

Custodial Services Brandon Baswell bbaswell@pplant.msu.edu

Maintenance Services Rodney Brownrlbrown@pplant.msu.eduPaul Coonrodpcoonrod@pplant.msu.eduBudd Pulverbkpulver@pplant.msu.eduBrion Stewartbstewart@pplant.msu.edu

DIVISION SUPPORT SERVICES Lynn Bergen bergen@pplant.msu.eduDave Graff dsgraff@pplant.msu.edu Phyllis Thorn plthorn@pplant.msu.eduKaren Zelt kzelt@pplant.msu.edu

ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES Sue Hoppershopper@pplant.msu.eduLaura Smithljsmith@pplant.msu.edu

ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT Lynda Boomerboomer@pplant.msu.eduCatherine Huddychuddy@pplant.msu.edu

LANDSCAPE SERVICES Kim Arthurkarthur@pplant.msu.edu Brian Keeseybkeesey@pplant.msu.edu

POWER AND WATERAmanda Grollalgroll@pplant.msu.edu

TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS Patricia Kelleypckelley@pplant.msu.eduMaria Rabimcrabi@pplant.msu.edu

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Frances Waltonfwalton@pplant.msu.edu

HOW CAN YOU BE SPARTAN GREEN?

TURN OFF lights, computers and equipment at the end of the day or when you are away from your shop or office for a long period of time.

USE REUSABLE containers instead of disposable cups and silverware.

RECYCLE white paper, mixed office paper, plastic, newspaper and corrugated cardboard.

PRINT DOCUMENTS TWO-SIDED and set two-sided printing as a default.

PURCHASE RECYCLED products such as paper.

REUSE ENVELOPES by placing a label over the pre-printed address, write in a new address, and send it on its way.

PURCHASE ENERGY STAR equipment when possible.