Energy Management

TU is a signatory of , pledging to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. To meet this commitment, the university has deployed energy conservation and procurement strategies to reduce the institution鈥檚 environment impact in a fiscally responsible manner. 

LED lighting fixture at CLA

LED Lighting

The lighting fixtures at CLA are one of many projects to conserve energy on campus.

Solar panels above Union Garage

Solar Panels

TU has five solar arrays on campus, and all new buildings have "solar ready" roofs.

An image of the inside of the power plant

Power Plant

Meters at the campus Power Plant help identify energy conservation opportunities.

Summer Savings

Summer Energy Conservation

With fewer people on campus over the summer, we鈥檙e adjusting building temperatures to conserve energy and lower costs. These efforts will save the university over $100,000 amidst state budget reductions. Unoccupied spaces on campus will be set to 76鈥�80掳F, including classrooms and residence halls.  

 In addition to these cost saving efforts, we want to remind you to:

  • UNPLUG unused appliances and electronics
  • TURN OFF lights and equipment when not in use or when leaving your space
  • CLOSE BLINDS to reduce direct sunlight (in rooms that have blinds)
  • ADJUST THERMOSTATS in your area a few degrees higher, especially if the space is unoccupied during the day
  • KEEP DOORS AND WINDOWS CLOSED when heating or cooling is in use
  • REPORT ANY ENERGY WASTE (e.g., lights or equipment left on unnecessarily) to Facilities Management

These small actions add up and help our campus become a more sustainable and efficient place to live, work and learn.

Energy Use

From FY14 to FY20, TU saved $2.7 million through its Strategic Energy Procurement Plan while reducing carbon emissions more than 40 percent. The TU Energy Team proactively works to reduce the university's carbon footprint by tracking, managing, and limiting energy use on campus. This not only reduces the university's environmental impact but also minimizes utility costs.

TU has two main energy sources: electricity and natural gas. The Power Plant, which runs on natural gas, is comprised of a complex energy grid and a vast network of steam and chilled water pipelines.

Meters on campus help the Facilities Management team find trends and conservation opportunities in energy and water usage. The data also helps to identify leaks or other flaws within the energy or water infrastructure that may need to be addressed.

Since 2011, all new buildings and major renovations on campus are constructed to LEED Silver standards at minimum. To date, TU has completed over 90 energy efficiency projects that qualified for utility incentives totaling over $2.5 million through BGE鈥檚 Energy Saver鈥檚 Rebate Program. TU continues to prioritize energy conservation through its commitment to the

Facilities Management staff constantly monitor campus energy consumption. Visit the TU dashboard for real time data.

TU voluntarily purchases 60 percent renewable energy sourced from wind and solar, double Maryland鈥檚 minimum requirement.

Energy FAQs

Towson University's annual energy use of electricity is 75M kWh. Its annual use of natural gas is 2.5M Therms.

TU's two sources of energy are electricity and natural gas.  In addition, the university currently purchases 60 percent renewable energy.

TU has 4,000 solar panels on the rooftops of Barton and Douglass Houses, General Services, University Union and Union Garage. These five solar arrays on campus produce over 1.5 MWh a year.

  • Set your thermostat 2 degrees higher than normal during the summer and 2 degrees lower in the winter time.
  • Invest in LED light bulbs. They save energy, and last longer than conventional bulbs.
  • Turn off the lights when you leave the room.
  • Power off monitors, printers, and other electronics when not in use.
  • Unplug "vampire" devices when not in use (ex: cell phone chargers, hair dryers, microwaves, coffee makers, gaming consoles).
  • Does your computer need to stay on? Utilize the sleep function.
  • Use a or rechargeable batteries.
  • Take advantage of natural lighting, and keep lamps or lights off.

In the world of energy, "CHP" stands for "combined heat and power."

A History of Energy Conservation

The Office of Energy has been developing fiscally and environmentally responsible conservation strategies since its inception in 2011. Some of these strategies include participating in rebate programs, replacing inefficient and outdated fixtures, monitoring metered data, and optimizing temperature set points for buildings.

TU's Office of Energy reports its energy savings to the state of Maryland on a yearly basis.

Recent Achievements

2020

  • Completed installation of energy recovery and VRF systems in several academic buildings and residence halls. 
  • Received $1.7 million in BGE rebates for new construction and renovation projects.

2019

  • Received $2.5 million in BGE rebates for new construction and renovation projects.
  • Began purchasing 50 percent renewable energy.
  • Completed installation of Variable Frequency Drives on HVAC Pumps and Air Handlers across campus.
  • Upgraded both major sports arenas, SECU Arena and Towson Center, from HID lighting to LED lighting with occupancy controls and automation reducing lighting energy by 60 percent and saving the University over $120,000 annually.

2018

  • Revised energy reduction goal to align with . New goal of 10 percent reduction by 2028 from a 2018 baseline.

2017

  • Reached 20 percent energy reduction goal (Better Buildings Challenge) 3 years ahead of schedule--one of the first ten 麻豆传媒高清 in the country to do so.
  • Set new voluntary goal of 25 percent energy reduction from 2010 baseline.
  • Installed a 1.3MW, 4000 panel Solar PV System on: Union Garage, University Union, General Services, Barton House, Douglass House.

2016

  • Completed upgrading 28 building transformers to premium efficiency in all 4 Glen Towers. 
  • Developed an enhanced building scheduling process taking advantage of building automation system. 
  • Developed a temperature set-point policy for residence halls and academic buildings. 
  • Implemented Chiller and HVAC optimization, which fine tuned air-handler & pump speeds.