Simple changes save thousands for PUPD

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The Purdue University Police Department  is taking a close look at the amount of energy and fuel it consumes, and is doing something about it.

Captain of Special Services, Eric Chin, said during a recent roof renovation project at the department headquarters, skylight tubes were installed.

"Usually the dispatch centers are within the center of a building in a secure location where there are no windows. This is a great avenue for us to put natural sunlight within those dark facilities and the benefit is to reduce, save electricity," said Chin.

One of the biggest changes is the replacement of the department's fleet of squad cars. A row of Dodge Chargers sits outside, instead of Ford Crown Victorias. By simply switching from V-8 engines to V-6 engines, hundreds of gallons of fuel were saved in just six months.

"The savings alone for the past six months have saved us about 667 gallons of fuel," said Chin.

The department also bikes more on patrols and is considering installing motion sensored light switches at its headquarters.

Managing Director for the Vice President of Business and Finance, Ken Sandel, said PUPD can lead by their examples.

"We spend about $36 million a year on our energy bill. It's such a large budget item and all of us consume energy. If all of us can make a concerted effort, it's an important part. We think it is one initiative on campus everybody can participate in. It gets people rallying around the effort," said Sandel.

Sandel said other departments on campus are considering motion sensored lights. Some have already reduced fleets from trucks to golf carts to save on fuel.