Low-cost methods for reducing heating consumption in FSILGs at MIT

Abstract

Rising energy prices and increasing price volatility present a problem for many fraternities, sororities, and independent living groups (FSILGs) at MIT. The buildings they occupy are typically quite old, with little insulation and leaky building envelopes, resulting in unnecessary heating energy consumption and expenditures, as well as CO2 emissions. Through simple retrofitting procedures, these levels of consumption, expenditures, and emissions could be greatly reduced. If such measures are implemented, FSILGs would be in a strong position to lead the way in helping MIT to achieve its recently announced emissions reduction goals. To determine the extent of reduction that could be realized, several easy retrofitting measures have been applied in one FSILG, and the resulting consumption has been compared with previous levels. To properly make that comparison, a background of FSILG buildings, their characteristics, and their uses are outlined. Then, the specific retrofits installed are described in detail. After that, the resulting changes in consumption efficiency are examined and compared to historical records.

(cont.) In summary, those findings show a 32% improvement in consumption efficiency, from a pre-retrofit average of 1.07 therms per heating degree day (HDD) to a post-retrofit average of 0.73 therms/HDD. In analyzing these results, it is estimated that $1543 are saved on heating costs, and that CO2 emissions are reduced by 4500 lbs/yr. Finally, given these results, recommendations are made for installing similar retrofits in other FSILGs, and the potential impact of those actions are assessed.