Advisory Committee Chair
Robert W Peters
Advisory Committee Members
Jason T Kirby
Virginia P Sisiopiku
Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
2010
Degree Name by School
Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE) School of Engineering
Abstract
Building occupancy and lighting surveys were conducted in various campus buildings of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 2007 (summer and fall semesters) and 2008 (spring and summer semesters) to investigate their energy performance. The details of the occupancy, lighting, and utility bills of the Business Engineering Complex, Humanities Building, Hill University Center, Ryals School of Public Health, and Sterne Library are discussed in this thesis. The after-hour occupancy was very low in most of the buildings surveyed and, at the same time, there were several unoccupied and fully lit rooms. In order to reduce energy waste, the operating hours of the building should be changed slightly. Lighting controls such as occupancy sensors should be installed in the classrooms, conference rooms, offices, and restrooms to minimize the energy waste. Installation of occupancy sensors in 17 classrooms of Business Engineering complex could save approximately $26,503 annually on electricity with the payback period of 1.08 months. The setback temperature settings in the thermostat could also help in minimizing the electricity consumption and corresponding electricity costs. This research also suggests conducting the survey of building occupants to understand their attitudes and behaviors towards energy conservation on the UAB campus.
Recommended Citation
Kajale, Atul Nandkumar, "Building Occupancy and Energy Conservation in Institutional Buildings of the University of Alabama at Birmingham" (2010). All ETDs from UAB. 2094.
https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/etd-collection/2094