The University of Hawai'i-Manoa, in partnership with the Hawaiian Electric Co., has set a goal of reducing its campus-wide energy consumption 30 percent by 2012.

"This is an ambitious goal, and we will need this partnership to achieve it," said Denise Konan, UH-Manoa interim chancellor, at an energy summit yesterday.

UH is the second-largest consumer of electricity on O'ahu, after military services. The university's electricity bill is expected to rise to nearly $19 million this fiscal year, according to UH officials.

HECO will help the university monitor electrical usage in its nearly 300 buildings, identify areas where usage can be reduced, and help the university identify areas where electrical and energy-efficient upgrades could help cut costs, said Karl Stahlkopf, chief technology officer for HECO.

Stahlkopf said the university easily could reduce its electrical bill by upgrading older air-conditioning systems on campus to more energy-efficient models, changing over to high-efficiency lighting and changing attitudes of faculty, staff and students about energy consumption.

"They need to be personally responsible for their energy use," Stahlkopf said. "One of the best things you can do is raise energy awareness," he said.

Rising utility costs and a harsh facilities management report that criticized the university for lack of an energy management and conservation policy prompted officials to seek advice from energy experts at yesterday's meeting.

Reach Loren Moreno at lmoreno@honoluluadvertiser.com.