Orange, Black and Green

KALAMAZOO, MICH., Oct. 1, 2009—Kalamazoo College’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint is paying off for the environment and the College, thanks in part to energy monitoring meters and energy control devices installed in 15 campus buildings by Andy J. Egan Co.

The College estimates that it saves $300,000 to $400,000 annually by reducing its energy consumption. Approximately half of that savings is traced to the energy control devices.

“Energy meters we installed for Kalamazoo College demonstrated where energy savings—and money savings—could be realized,” said Tunis Willemstyn, controls engineer at Egan. “Then, the energy control devices that we installed delivered the savings.”

According to Willemstyn, monitoring meters showed that energy systems in certain campus buildings were often running at full capacity, even though they were used only part of the day. This led the College to hire Egan to install temperature controls and other energy control devices.   

“Dalton Theatre in the Light Fine Arts building, for example, is used minimally during certain parts of the day,” Willemstyn said. “Energy controls now slow down air movement and make other adjustments that reduce energy use during those off hours. When the 400-seat theatre is in use, the energy controls return the building to full power.”

“The installation and upgrade of temperature controls has played a key role in reducing Kalamazoo College’s annual utility bills,” said Paul Manstrom, director of facilities management at Kalamazoo College. “We’ll save an estimated $175,000 this year because of these devices, and that’s money we can direct to other energy saving and sustainability efforts.” 

For more information, contact Jorri Smith at 616.791.9952 or at smithj@andyegan.com or Jeff Palmer at Jeffrey.Palmer@kzoo.edu.  

Kalamazoo College: Founded in Kalamazoo in 1833, Kalamazoo College (www.kzoo.edu) is a nationally recognized liberal arts college and the creator of the “K-Plan” that emphasizes rigorous scholarship, learning by practice, and both international and intercultural engagement.

Andy J. Egan Co.: Founded in 1919, mechanical contractor and fabricator Andy J. Egan Co. (www.andyegan.com) offers engineering, fabrication, mechanical insulation, controls and 24/7 service for commercial, industrial and institutional applications.