Energy Management

The main goal of the Energy Management Office is to reduce the electrical consumption of the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) and insure we meet the goal of 60% reduction on the dependence on fossil fuels by 2015.  This goal is accomplished by use of alternative energy, upgrades to current systems, capital investment, and setting up protocols and policies on how the University is going to use its energy.

Photovoltaic Project

One major initiative is the installation of the 3MW solar farm split between the St. Thomas Campus and the Albert A. Sheen St. Croix campus.  This project is to provide 50% of our electrical consumption from solar energy generation.  The project is set up as a power purchase agreement where a firm will install and maintain the system over 20 years.  UVI would pay the firm a cheaper rate for electricity than what was paid to WAPA.  At the end of the 20 years UVI has the option to buy the system.  Below are visual renderings of the photovoltaic farms on both campuses.        

Figure 1: Rendering of St. Thomas Campus Layout	Figure 2: Rendering of Albert A. Sheen Campus - St. Croix Layout

Learn more about UVI's Photovoltaic Project:

• Preliminary Site Preparation for UVI Solar Panel Projects to Begin Soon
• UVI to Sign Solar Power Purchase Agreement, Public Invited to Ceremony (July 27, 2013)
• UVI Signs Solar Power Purchase Agreement (August 1, 2013)

Everyone at UVI plays a role in helping to reduce our energy consumption and the next few topics include tips that not only can save UVI but can save money at your home.

Lights

• Turn off when not in use
• Use natural light when you can
• Use a desk light if you have one instead of overhead fluorescent lights
• Use energy efficient bulbs like compact fluorescent's or LED’s
• When leaving a room for more than 10 minutes turn lights off

Paper

• Please consider the environment before printing
• When you can, print double-sided
• Edit on screen not on paper
• Send and store documents electronically
• Designate a box for scrap paper and use this for printing drafts and other unofficial documents

 Computers

• Use sleep mode on computer instead of screen savers
• Turn computer off after use, nights and weekends
• Turn off monitors when you go to meetings or lunch
• Set up energy savers in your personalization settings
• Don’t turn on units until you are ready to use them

Thermostat

• Set thermostats to 75 degrees
• Keep windows and doors closed if AC is on
• Use a fan instead of AC if possible
• Keep shades and blinds closed during the hottest part of the day if you do not need the light

Additional Energy Related Sites

• www.poweringvi.vi – This site is dedicated to providing the USVI community with more information about WAPA’s propane conversion.  You will be able to find project details as well as Facts vs. Myths statements.
• http://vienergy.org/  - The VI’s Energy Office website provides more information about what green initiatives are happening in the USVI community.
• http://energy.gov/science-innovation/energy-efficiency – The US Government also has a website dedicated to energy efficiency.  Among other things it provides information on low emission vehicles and alternative energy vehicles.
• http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product – Another way to save energy is by purchasing Energy Star appliances.  This link displays a list of products as well as places these products can be purchased at.
• http://virecycles.com/ – Want to get more involved with recycling in the VI?  Connect with the Virgin Islands Recycling Partnership and see what you can do.