| New ARD building will preserve natural resources QUESTION: I saw an article in the Daily Sun that said the planned Applied Research and Development building will take 50 years to pay for its energy-savings features. Is this true? ANSWER: The plan will take 35 years to recoup the state money. The additional 15 years in the Daily Sun article comes from factoring in a federal grant that is being used for design. The bigger issue with the ARD building, however, is not recouping utility costs. NAU is investing in the preservation of natural resources. We will be reducing the use of potable water, lessening greenhouse gases from traditional electrical production and minimized traffic to the facility, lessening electrical consumption from increased natural "daylighting," and installing heating and cooling systems that are assisted by natural means. The payback analysis performed was based on energy costs only. A more appropriate analysis would include factors such as the savings in capital cost for equipment, pipes, wire, labor, and maintenance costs that are avoided by using less energy. Also not included in the analysis is the renewable energy that will be generated on-site, essentially reducing the overall energy from the electrical grid by more than 80 percent. The governor has mandated that state agencies (including universities) reduce utility consumption by 10 percent per square foot by 2008 and 15 percent per square foot by 2011. NAU began an energy-savings program in 1999 by installing efficient lighting throughout campus and by lowering thermostats. Further reductions will require more aggressive methods. While recouping utility costs could be considered and important issue, the costs of the ARD building include significant additions that not only preserve resources but also present research opportunities for our students and faculty. For information, contact Rich Bowen at Richard.Bowen@nau.edu.
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