According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average university in the United States consumes approximately 100 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year. This is equivalent to the amount of electricity used by approximately 10,000 average American homes.
The largest energy users on a university campus are typically the buildings. Older buildings that are not energy efficient can consume a significant amount of energy for heating, cooling, and lighting. Newer buildings that are designed to be energy efficient can use up to 50% less energy than older buildings.
Other large energy users on a university campus include laboratories, research facilities, and athletic facilities. These facilities often require a lot of energy for equipment and machinery.
The climate in which a university is located can also affect its energy use. Universities located in colder climates typically use more energy for heating, while universities located in warmer climates typically use more energy for cooling.
In addition to the energy consumed by its buildings and facilities, a university also uses energy for transportation. This includes energy used to fuel university vehicles, as well as energy used by students and staff who commute to campus.
The total energy use by a university can be a significant expense. Many universities are taking steps to reduce their energy use, such as installing energy-efficient appliances and lighting, and using renewable energy sources.