NAU Campus Dining Energy Audit
Project Summary:
The NAU Campus Dining Energy Audit project is analyzing the energy demands of food preparation and service equipment on the mountain campus. Led by a student researcher in partnership with NAU Campus Dining and the Department of Mechanical Engineering, this initiative measures the specific utility inputs—such as electricity, natural gas, and water—against the service outputs of various dining facility assets. By establishing a comprehensive energy intensity metric and database for an inventory that includes equipment up to 40 years old, the team is successfully identifying major inefficiencies. The project directly supports the university’s sustainability goals by providing ranked, economically viable recommendations for new, high-efficiency equipment upgrades based on payback periods. Ultimately, this research empowers the campus to significantly lower its utility expenses and greenhouse gas emissions while modernizing its culinary infrastructure.
Project Lead:
Mikela Petersen
Project Advisor:
Dr. Jennifer Wade
Date:
2021-04-15
Funding Amount:
$3,070
Department:
Mechanical Engineering