Support for Sustainability Efforts at UH
Susan Chandler, a professor from UH-Mānoa’s Public Policy Center and employee in Saunders Hall, testifies in support of Senate Bill 2356 before the Education and Energy and Environment committees.
Saunders Hall is the model for sustainability initiatives on the University of Hawai`i-Mānoa campus. A seven-story concrete building that houses 12 academic departments, research units, classrooms and staff offices, Saunders Hall is also a major user of energy, consuming approximately 2.4 million kilowatt hours annually. At the current cost of approximately 16 cents per kilowatt hour, the annual energy cost of Saunders Hall is approximately $384,000.
To address the increasing cost, Saunders Hall recently conducted a preliminary energy efficiency audit. If Saunders Hall follows the audit’s recommendations, it is projected to reduce or offset its energy consumption by up to 39 percent.
Senate Bill 2356, introduced by Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland (D - Sand Island, Kalihi, Liliha, Nu`uanu, Pauoa, Pu`unui), proposes an appropriation of $1,024,000 for the University of Hawai`i to finance the audit’s recommendations.
A panel of senators from the Education Committee and the Energy and Environment Committee heard testimony yesterday from many people, including members of the Sustainable Saunders group that promotes the building’s sustainability efforts. Represenatives from the group promised senators that if the bill passes, they would take immediate action toward conservation and renewable energy measures with the provided funds. Representatives from UH Mānoa’s Public Policy Center also submitted testimony in support of the bill.
When the testimony concluded, both Senate committees recommended that the measure be passed unamended.