University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC): Energy performance

Better Buildings Challenge Partners strive to decrease portfolio-wide source energy use intensity (EUI) and to increase the percent improvement compared to a set baseline. UNMC's portfolio consists of more than 60 buildings and 6.5 million square feet. Partner has improved energy performance by 13% from a 2012 baseline, making progress towards a goal of 20% by 2022. UNMC has reduced energy consumption through HVAC upgrades, control algorithms, and energy awareness programs.

Looking at the percent improvement in energy performance across all properties can provide insight into how an organization is saving energy. UNMC has achieved energy performance improvement of greater than 15% at 19 of its properties. There are 7 properties that have experienced an increase in Source EUI. These properties have been targeted for future energy efficiency improvements.

Property-level energy performance metrics, including EUI and percent improvement to date, are critical to track progress over time and identify opportunities for additional energy savings. UNMC's portfolio consists of properties with a wide range of baseline EUI values. The majority of properties have shown energy improvement since 2012. The properties located near or below the 0% axis may present good opportunities for further savings.

Better Buildings Challenge Partners strive to decrease portfolio-wide source water use intensity (WUI) and to increase the percent improvement compared to a set baseline. UNMC's portfolio consists of more than 60 buildings and 6.5 million square feet. UNMC has improved water performance by 23% from a 2012 baseline, achieving their goal of 20% by 2020. Water savings thus far were largely achieved through a concerted effort to recognize water use and waste. Students and employees not only pay better attention to the water they use, but they also regularly report water issues—everything from dripping faucets to broken sprinkler heads. The culture has also been changed with Operations & Maintenance technicians; small leaks are never acceptable and they are to be proactive in reporting/repairing all issues. This campus-wide awareness has resulted in significant savings without any major mechanical upgrades. UNMC will work to reduce irrigation with native plants, continue to install water-efficient fixtures and equipment, and is exploring rainwater capture to be used in cooling towers.