Climate Commitment Task Force

TMCC Conservation Fact Sheet

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Please read the TMCC Conservation Fact Sheet, below, for a list of things the college is doing to conserve energy and increase efficiency.

Energy Efficient Lighting

TMCC began changing out light fixtures to energy efficient lighting in 2005. These lighting retrofit projects were funded primarily from grants from Nevada Energy. To date, lighting has been replaced in the Red Mountain Building, the IGT Applied Technology Center and the Child Care Center. The total estimated annual savings on our energy bill is $17,000. Additional lighting projects are planned for 2009.

Occupancy Sensors

Occupancy sensors have been installed in 70 rooms throughout all TMCC sites. The sensors turn room lights on when the room is occupied and automatically turn lights off when no one is in the room.

Temperature Control

In 2008 temperatures were standardized for all TMCC facilities to a range of 68 -76 degrees. This move is estimated to save $50,000 per year in energy costs.

HVAC Efficiency

In 2008 variable frequency drives (VFDs) were installed on the large motors that drive the air condition system at the Meadowood Center. The VFDs make the motors run more efficiently and only use the power needed to meet the specific demand at a particular time. The installation of the VFDs is anticipated to save approximately $18,000 annually in energy costs.

Renewable Power

TMCC has begun work to construct a 9 KW solar energy array at the IGT Applied Technology Center which will also be used as a teaching lab for students studying renewable power. The solar lab was funded by a grant from Nevada Energy. Completion is expected in April 2009.

Information Technology

Since 2005 TMCC has implemented an automated power shutdown on all academic lab, classroom computers and student services kiosks when not in use, saving an estimated 160 operational hours each day with an annual estimated energy savings of $49,000.

Equipment Replacement

TMCC buys Energy Star compliant LCD monitors to replace less efficient CRT Monitors and selects high efficiency components when replacing building equipment.

Reduced Commuting

With the implementation of the college's website, WebCollege's online learning management systems and the use of virtual private networks, faculty, staff and students have to make fewer trips to commute to the school to obtain information, teach or take classes.

Paper Use Reduction

With the introduction of the electronic Gradebook, the college has eliminated the use of Scantron cards for input for recording grades, thus reducing paper costs. Also, central services has implemented a scan to email feature on the college's multifunction Xerox machines which has reduced the need for making paper copies of documents. Additionally, Fax to email has been implemented by IT Operations at the college so the number of incoming faxes printed on fax machines is greatly reduced.

Future Projects

TMCC's Capital Improvement Program includes the replacement of major components of the heating and air condition systems in the Red Mountain Building. Much of the equipment was installed in the 1970s and major energy savings are anticipated if the project is funded.