Sacramento State receives energy award

Sacramento State’s newest residence hall is drawing dividends already. On Jan. 20, the University received $74,331 from SMUD for energy efficiency savings at the American River Courtyard, which opened in August.

SMUD participates in Savings by Design, a statewide program that rewards projects that exceed the state’s energy standards. The American River Courtyard exceeded those standards by 34.8 percent, says Nathaniel Martin, Sacramento State’s energy conservation coordinator.

Savings were achieved through the overall design of the residence hall. For instance, if the air conditioner is on in a room, and a window is opened, the AC automatically shuts off, says Martin.

The money will go into a trust for future conservation projects in residence housing.