St. Lawrence University's "Building Dashboard"
A List
2/21/11

New Web Site Shows Real-Time Electricity Use In SLU Buildings

CANTON - How many laptop computers could be powered with the electricity being used in St. Lawrence University's Gunnison Memorial Chapel between 2 and 6 p.m. on a Wednesday? The campus community now has the ability to answer that, and many more questions, with the roll-out of its Internet-based "building dashboard" that displays real-time data on electricity usage.

In partnership with Lucid Design Group, a Web site now displays real-time electricity use in 72 buildings that were equipped with meters during the summer of 2010. Anyone with Internet access can see the data, which displays buildings by type, and offers comparisons, weather information and "green tips" for reducing electricity use, among other information. Viewers can even choose the type of units they wish to measure consumption - kilowatts, or their equivalent in compact-fluorescent light bulbs, or even hamburgers (calories are also a measure of energy).

The system is intended to raise awareness and educate consumers about electricity usage, and to inspire the campus community to find ways to reduce both consumption and costs. The Thelomathesian Society, St. Lawrence's student government organization, put forward a resolution in 2009 supporting the installation of the meters so that the system could operate, and in 2010, their initiative was supported by President William L. Fox, allowing the installation to proceed.

Plans are under way for competitions between residence halls and, eventually, between St. Lawrence and other colleges and universities that are using the program.

John Glass '13, president of the Thelomathesian Society, said, "The dashboard will give the student body an opportunity to reflect on the impact that they have on the environment. Residence halls, theme cottages and town houses will have the ability to easily organize energy-saver competitions within their communities and campus-wide. Competition always brings out the best in us and everyone loves instant feedback!"

Visit the Building Dashboard site for more information and to see it operate.

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