Grinnell College Monthly Electricity Consumption and Air Conditioning Needs (FY 2001-2009)

This study looks to explore how air conditioning during the warmer months of the year has affected overall electricity consumption over the past decade. Comparing our overall electricity usage (as reported in electricity bills) with a cooling degree day estimate, and estimating separate baselines for when students are and are not on campus, we hope to continually evaluate the college’s efficiency with respect to air conditioning as it adds new facilities and makes upgrades. Our 2001-2009 study concluded that total college spending on air conditioning totals between $54,000 and $70,000 per year.