Heat recovery systems can be dangerous in chemistry and biology laboratories, Goodwin says, because the potential hazard of recycling poisonous gas always exists.

The amount of glass used in several prominent Harvard buildings inevitably comes up when discussing energy conservation at the University. Both Hilles Library and the Science Center have large portions of glass walls and large windows.

"Some of those buildings were designed just prior to the energy crunch," Goodwin says. Glass on the south side of the Science Center keeps the sunlight in during the summer, he says.

Of course much heat is lost during the winter through the glass, but "a number of times during the year, there's a balance, like in the fall and the spring," he adds.

"It is true the Science Center would have modified if it had been built today, Goodwin says. "The amount of glass used in the new John F. Kennedy School building has been deliberately modified downward," he adds.

Some buildings, like William James Hall, have been recently renovated to be more efficient in energy use, Mark says. William James now has its own chilled water plant, which frees it from dependence upon the one below the Science Center.

Goodwin says most of the Harvard energy conservation proposals are based on cost-effectiveness. "You have to use some theory in a system, but systems are not theoretical; they're practical," Goodwin adds.

"All new buildings have to be more responsive now than before the energy crisis," he adds.

Goodwin says what happens in the future is "up to the utilities," adding that Harvard does not accept the responsibility for finding new energy resources.

"Harvard isn't going to be effected more than any other industry when fuel becomes more scarce than at present," Goodwin adds.

As for alternate types of energy, Goodwin says solar energy is impractical in the Boston area climate. "Payback is in the 20 year range," he says. Goodwin adds Harvard looking into solar energy when building the new athletic complex.

A power plant, which Harvard officials hope will be up by mid-1979, is expected to save energy for the Medical School area. However, experts have questioned how energy-effective the plant will be.

The proposed plant will be constructed 80 per cent underground, and will be as large as a city block.

There is no energy czar at Harvard. Goodwin says, "One of my prime functions is to look at energy conservation, but to say that I'm the sole person is not true," adding, "There are 50 some odd energy monitors" at Harvard.

With energy as important as it is, now may be the time for Harvard to establish a central committee in charge of energy problems if not an energy czar. Perhaps its responsibilities could extend to ther areas of conservation.