The A. Alfred Taubman Health Sciences Library at the University of Michigan stands out as a leading example in energy conservation initiatives, having recently been recognized in a distinguished statewide competition. This achievement showcases the university’s dedication to sustainability and innovative energy practices.
Michigan Energy Summit Recognition
During the Michigan Energy Summit held on May 14 in Lansing, the Michigan Green Building Collaborative awarded the Taubman Health Sciences Library the coveted “Biggest Loser” title in the education category of the Battle of the Buildings competition. This recognition celebrates the library’s significant energy-saving accomplishments.
Battle of the Buildings Program
The Battle of the Buildings program is an awards initiative aimed at promoting reduced energy consumption across commercial, industrial, and multi-family buildings in Michigan. By encouraging competitive energy-saving practices, it seeks to inspire building owners and operators to adopt sustainable energy strategies. The University of Michigan has consistently excelled in this challenge, marking its 15th win overall.
“The University of Michigan is advancing its campus energy transition, with a goal of achieving net-zero emissions across all campuses by 2040,” stated Jack Gosselin, regional energy manager for the Medical School in the Office of Campus Sustainability & Innovation and U-M Facilities & Operations. “Sustainability at U-M remains strong, and efforts like the energy management work at Taubman Library show how the campus community continues to move progress forward.”
Energy Efficiency Improvements
The library’s achievement in energy reduction was facilitated by the OCSI Building Tune Up program, where a collaborative team addressed operational inefficiencies within the building’s HVAC system. In 2024, through meticulous adjustments and control system upgrades, the team achieved a notable 23% reduction in energy consumption. This translated into approximately 100-125 metric tons of CO2 saved annually, alongside $30,000 in cost savings, with all expenses recouped within a year.
Mary Tresh, senior director of Medical School Facilities, expressed gratitude, saying, “I am extremely appreciative of our energy management engineers, who approach their work with humility and a strong sense of responsibility, often viewing their contributions as simply ‘just doing their job.’ Without their commitment and expertise, along with the support and programs of the Office of Campus Sustainability, we would not be nearly as successful in advancing the Medical School’s energy reduction goals and reducing our environmental impact.”
Library’s Role and Renovation
Serving the research and educational needs of the university’s health sciences schools and Michigan Medicine Ann Arbor medical campus, the Taubman Library underwent a significant $55 million upgrade. The 137,000-square-foot facility reopened in 2015 as a modern, all-digital learning center and earned LEED Gold Certification post-renovation, integrating advanced technology and energy-efficient designs.
