Photo by: Adam Hammerman

Johnson-MacFarlane Hall (J-Mac) ranks in the top 25 percent of similar types of buildings nationwide, according to its Energy Star certification received last week in ordinance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

After submitting information about utilities usage to the EPA, an independent auditor began to certify J-Mac by verifying the submitted data.

Energy Star certifications require a floor area less than 5,000 square feet, documented energy-saving techniques and less than 168 operating hours per week.

Following reviews of residence halls across the country, J-Mac was determined to be in the 75th percentile of energy-efficient residence halls. According to DU sustainability experts, this achievement is the result of years of establishing efficiency in J-Mac.

“Over the past three years, we’ve replaced windows with more efficient windows, upgraded heating systems, installed higher efficiency water heat exchangers, upgraded lighting fixtures and the laundry facility and painted the roof white to reflect sunlight, reducing the need for air conditioning in the lobby in the summertime,” said Christy Cerron, assistant director and sustainability coordinator for Housing and Residential Education.

Housing aims to certify all of the residence halls in upcoming years, partnering with DU Facilities to increase energy efficiency in other residence halls.

This includes projects such as installing new boilers and motion-sensing lights.

“It is a great point of pride for Housing and for DU that we are the first residence hall in Colorado and one of only 89 residence halls across the country to earn this certification,” said Cerron.

Cerron believes this achievement is the first step in the right direction towards making all of the DU residence halls Energy Star-certified.