The proposed Temperature Set Point policy establishes formal temperatures for heating and cooling seasons that applies to all university buildings. The target temperatures were created to maximize thermal comfort and promote energy conservation throughout campus.

This policy was presented to and approved by the Sustainability Committee in March 2023 as it advances the goals of Drake’s Climate Action Plan.  As of 2022, energy usage made up 71% of Drake’s carbon footprint.  That equates to 14,472 metric tons of carbon dioxide emitted in one year from our energy emissions alone.  Those emissions are equivalent to the yearly energy use of 1,824 US homes or the amount of carbon sequestered by 17,258 acres of US forests in one year.

In order to hit carbon neutral by 2050, and our interim goal of a 50% emissions reduction by 2030, we need to continue the effort to reduce our largest emissions source: energy usage.  We have achieved a 38% scope 1 and 2 reduction thus far, but drastic steps are required to continue to reduce our carbon footprint and address the threat of climate change. This policy is just one of many steps required.

The policy will also help to relieve some of the financial burden Drake faces, as Drake spent over $2,000,000 on energy in fiscal year 2023.  Every degree that is reduced in the winter and increased in the summer can yield a 3% reduction in annual heating and cooling costs, helping mitigate utility rate increases.

The policy has separate temperature set points for unoccupied hours when buildings are locked.  Building exceptions can be found in the policy.

The chart exhibits the Temperature Set Point policies of other universities and the year they were implemented.  They are in order by cooling point, and if implemented, Drake’s cooling point would be the most conservative.

If you have any comments, please use the comment function through the Policy Development Page.

— Hannah Remke, Facilities Planning and Management