Many institutions seek short- and long-term ways to reduce reliance on fossil-derived resources for several reasons. Let’s look at four key reasons that cold-weather campuses are working to move away from fossil fuel-derived heating sources:

Cost constraints. Petroleum-based heating oil is costly and contributes significantly to a university’s overall operational budget. Many campuses are transitioning to natural gas, which is less expensive and cleaner. However, making the switch requires an overhaul of heating infrastructure, an added expense. Further, universities will still require a backup heating method due to curtailment, which we’ll get into later.
Sustainability commitments. A recent study by Princeton University found that 61% of prospective students consider a university’s commitment to sustainability as a factor in their decision to apply or attend that school. At least one university shared that sustainability ranked second-highest on alumni interest surveys (even higher than the athletics program), with alums graduating after 2000 ranking it first.
Fuel availability instability. As mentioned earlier, many cold-weather campuses are switching from oil to natural gas because it’s cleaner and more cost-effective. However, institutions must contend with curtailment. Natural gas curtailment happens when the amount of natural gas delivered to the largest customers is reduced due to a supply shortage or excess demand. Customers with interruptible service are the first to be affected when curtailment occurs. These customers, usually commercial buildings, must stop using natural gas and switch to an alternate energy source with at least two hours’ notice. Customers who agree to interruptible service must comply with curtailment orders or pay noncompliance feess.
Regulatory changes. Greater Boston has more than 85 colleges and universities, and New York City has more than 120. In both cities, strict new legislation is coming into effect that will ban certain types of home heating oil. They join 11 other U.S. cities that have implemented tougher building performance standards laws. In Greater Boston, the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) amounts to a carbon tax on buildings. Owners of buildings of a certain size must report their buildings’ annual energy use, verify reported data with a qualified third-party energy professional, and comply with annual emissions limits. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to $1,000 per day, depending on the size of the building. In New York City, an ordinance known as Local Law 97 will do the same. In addition, New York City has banned the use of a heavier heating oil called No. 4 oil in 2027. Approximately 3,000 buildings in the city currently rely on No. 4 oil.

Many campus stakeholders don’t realize that reaching carbon-neutral isn’t a straight line. There are many steps along the way to that end goal. It’s not as simple as flipping a switch. Transforming the many systems and buildings on campus can take years, even decades. It’s more of a marathon than a sprint.

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Sustainable heat: Options, challenges and opportunities for campuses

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