Analyzing Energy Consumption Patterns in Higher Education Campuses: A Primary Quantitative Study on Monitoring and Sustainability Interventions
Energy monitoring; higher education campus; sustainability interventions; smart meters; load profiling; quantitative analysis; energy efficiency; peak demand reduction
Background: College and university campuses are significant energy consumers, with campus buildings collectively accounting for a substantial portion of institutional operating costs and carbon emissions. Effective energy monitoring and targeted interventions are crucial for improving sustainability in higher education settings. Objectives: This primary study quantitatively analyzes baseline energy consumption patterns across multiple campus building types and evaluates the impacts of selected technical and behavioral interventions. Key objectives include measuring baseline load profiles, correlating consumption with weather and occupancy, and quantifying energy and peak demand savings from interventions. Methods: An eight-month baseline monitoring campaign was conducted at three Michigan campuses (Alma College, Central Michigan University, Calvin College) using smart meters, submeters, occupancy sensors/proxies, and environmental monitors. Data were cleaned and analyzed using statistical and time-series methods. Interventions – including HVAC scheduling optimization, LED lighting retrofits, and an occupant awareness program – were then implemented in a subset of buildings. Energy savings were evaluated via weather-normalized regression models, difference-in-differences analysis with control groups, and paired statistical tests following International Performance Measurement & Verification Protocol (IPMVP) guidelines. Results: The interventions yielded measurable reductions in electrical energy consumption (ranging from ~5% to 15% across different buildings) and lowered peak demand by 5–10%. All savings were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Data-driven energy management on campuses can achieve significant efficiency gains. The results inform campus sustainability policies by demonstrating the value of continuous monitoring and targeted interventions in reducing energy use and associated emissions.
"Analyzing Energy Consumption Patterns in Higher Education Campuses: A Primary Quantitative Study on Monitoring and Sustainability Interventions", IJSDR - International Journal of Scientific Development and Research (www.IJSDR.org), ISSN:2455-2631, Vol.11, Issue 1, page no.a370-a417, January-2026, Available :https://ijsdr.org/papers/IJSDR2601040.pdf
Volume 11
Issue 1,
January-2026
Pages : a370-a417
Paper Reg. ID: IJSDR_306201
Published Paper Id: IJSDR2601040
Downloads: 000286
Research Area: Science and Technology
Country: Delhi, Delhi, India
ISSN: 2455-2631 | IMPACT FACTOR: 9.15 Calculated By Google Scholar | ESTD YEAR: 2016
An International Scholarly Open Access Journal, Peer-Reviewed, Refereed Journal Impact Factor 9.15 Calculate by Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar | AI-Powered Research Tool, Multidisciplinary, Monthly, Multilanguage Journal Indexing in All Major Database & Metadata, Citation Generator
Publisher: IJSDR(IJ Publication) Janvi Wave
