Green Vending

Published July 2008

Sodas are staying cold and the university is reducing its energy consumption with energy-saving green machines.

CSU retrofitted all refrigerated vending machines containing nonperishable items with motion sensors, so the machine's lights will turn off when the machines are not is use.

In 2006, CSU retrofitted all refrigerated vending machines containing nonperishable items with motion sensors. Refrigerated vending machines on campus currently run 24 hours a day to keep drinks cold. Previously, when the machines were on, the machine’s lights were also on. In the new retrofitted machines, an energy-saving controller uses an infrared sensor to determine when someone is approaching the machine. The lights power on when people are around.

Infrared Sensor

If the infrared sensing device does not detect motion near the machine for 15 minutes, the controller will turn off the machine’s lights and refrigerant compressor. The controller does power up the machine every three hours to maintain temperature and ensure that the refrigerated drinks stay cold.

Reduced Costs and CO2 Savings

The continual use of energy cost the university up to $24,000 a year but now the university is saving $4,300 each year with the new retrofits. The retrofitted green machines have decreased carbon dioxide emissions by more than 230,000 pounds per year.

More than half of the cost to retrofit the vending machines was covered by rebates provided by the City of Fort Collins.