Title
Night Class Redistribution to Reduce Energy Consumption at Boise State University
Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
4-11-2010
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Scott Lowe and Dr. John Gardner
Abstract
Boise State University administrators have made increasing the energy efficiency of on-campus buildings a tip priority in their attempt to reduce operating costs. Through performance evaluations and the streamlining of operations, the energy used in some buildings on the Boise State University campus has already been reduced by 20%. This research looks at the role that “strategic room scheduling” – the condensing of night classes such that certain buildings are operated with higher densities – can play in further reducing energy consumption at Boise State University. We have analyzed room scheduling data collected during the Fall, Spring and Summer 2009 semesters in order to reconstruct the night class scheduling on campus. This data is then utilized to redistribute room assignments, subject to enrollment and technology constraints, in order to optimize the energy used. We look at classroom demand, classroom spread, building spread, energy used in buildings and other factors to help reduce energy use. Our research has shown that the scheduling and distribution of night classes can lead to vast improvement in energy consumption. The results of this research can be used to implement a new room scheduling formula.