Framingham State Saving Millions in Energy Costs Due to Efforts to Go Green

For the better part of the last decade, Framingham State University has invested in energy efficiency efforts that are saving the University hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. These efforts have earned the University recognition as a Green College by the Princeton Review every year since 2010. “FSU is fortunate to be situated on a beautiful New England campus, so our entire community takes environmental stewardship very seriously,” says Framingham State President F. Javier Cevallos.

The University has taken a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability, guided by a Climate Action Plan, which was written in 2010 and is updated every year. Major efforts include a comprehensive energy project that converted heating fuel from oil to natural gas, a project that has reduced emissions by 33 percent and will save the University $15 million over the 20-year life of the system. The Power Plant conversion was part of a larger Energy Performance Contract (EPC) that includes various energy conservation measures ranging from campus-wide light replacements to new heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems. The University also has solar PV arrays on three campus facilities, including the campus center and athletic building, as well as a LEED Gold-certified residence hall on campus.

Other steps the University has taken to reduce energy consumption include eliminating lunch trays in the dining hall to conserve water; installing water-saving dishwaters; altering class schedules to reduce the number of days commuter students have to drive to campus; and installing a university vegetable garden. FSU has received considerable support from food service provider Sodexo, which has also implemented a composting program.