As of 2023, UMass Lowell consumes 51,685 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity and 252,000 dekatherm (Dth) of natural gas, with 74% of costs allocated to electricity and 26% to natural gas.
UMass Lowell dedicates roughly 38% of its total budget to support the North Campus main electric feed and steam plant; and 21% to support the South Campus main electric feed and steam plant. Average daily peak load is about 6 megawatts (MW) and utilizes 250,000 annual Dth for heating purposes.
UMass Lowell’s major energy generation and distribution networks include:
- District steam and electric distribution on the North and South Campuses
- 246 kilowatts (kW) of solar generation across Dugan Hall, Leitch Hall, Bourgeois Hall and Costello Athletic Center
- 200 kW solar canopy on South Campus Garage
Electric Energy (kWh):
The total electrical power consumed over time, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). One kWh is the energy used by a 1-kilowatt (kW) device running for one hour. Calculated as: Electric Energy (kWh) = Power (kW) × Time (hours).
Steam Heating Energy (kBtu):
The total thermal energy used for heating, expressed in kBtu (thousand British Thermal Units). One kBtu equals 1,000 Btu, where 1 Btu is the energy needed to raise 1 pound of water by 1°F.
Utility Emissions (MT CO2e):
Greenhouse gas emissions from energy use, measured in Metric Tons of CO2 Equivalent (MT CO2e). This unit accounts for emissions from electricity, heating, and natural gas, converted to CO2 equivalents based on global warming potential.
Energy Use Intensity (kBtu/SqFt):
The energy efficiency of a building, calculated as total energy consumption divided by the building's square footage, in kBtu per square foot.
Peak Demand (kW):
The highest level of energy consumption within a specific time period. Managing peak demand helps optimize energy resources and reduce costs.
Net Zero Energy:
A state where the total energy consumed is offset by renewable energy produced on-site, achieving a net-zero energy balance over a year.