Mines Sustainability Scavenger Hunt:
Stop #5

Mines Market – Let’s Eat!

Mines Market is another hub on campus because it’s where we come to get that nutritious food (okay – the desserts are great too). Make sure you’re following the new COVID19 physical distancing rules posted around the market. And also make sure you check out the vegetarian and vegan options. Did you know one of the easiest things you can do to help the planet is to reduce your intake of animal-based food once or twice a week? Or try switching out high carbon producing foods like beef and cheese to lower alternatives like eggs and chicken. 

powerED engineers helped Mines switch in new components to the kitchen equipment and exhaust system that now include the ability to shut them off. Measures like that, in addition to the ongoing commissioning at Elm Hall, have produced a 12% reduction in building energy and avoided over $164,088 in utility costs since August 2018!

This BAS snapshot of the air-handling unit (AHU) that serves Mines Market shows the system bringing in 51,000 CFM of outside air when the maximum should be 44,000 CFM. That’s because the building static pressure is low- this is caused by the exhaust fans in the kitchen. By turning the kitchen exhaust fans off at night we have been able to save ~$15,000/yr in wasted utility costs. 

Hint for the next stop: a small, unassuming home to the large, charismatic Honors Program at Mines