Energy Efficiency Improvements
The University of Utah has actively pursued energy efficiency improvements since 1998.
Current programs and projects include:
Performance Contract
Retrofitted 5.3 million square feet and constructed a central chilled water high temperature hot water plant as part of a $44 million project. This project was completed in 2002 and has exceeded the guaranteed savings each year.
Behavioral Program
While the increased efficiency from performance contracting was successful in reducing consumption and emissions, it did not address the conservation side of energy reduction. A consultant was hired to educate the campus community, including operations staff, as to the results of their actions. The program was initiated in 2004 and has resulted in reduced energy consumption with net savings of approximately $400,000 annually.
Retro-Commissioning
We, in cooperation with our local utility, have retrocommissioned 2 buildings with plans to begin a third. These projects, based on engineering calculations, will provide paybacks in less than 2 years by increasing efficiencies in systems thereby reducing consumption and cost.
Co-Generation
The construction of a co-generation facility is in process that will provide the heating load necessary for the main campus for approximately 13% more natural gas than is currently consumed. For this minimal increase in gas consumption, the plant will generate 52 million kwh of power while maintaining the required heating capacity. The turbine has an efficiency rating significantly lower than any other turbine operating in the
state of Utah.
Other Pro iects:
Small lighting retrofits and other energy efficiency related
projects have and will continue to take place on campus. They are typically
performed in conjunction with incentive programs offered by the local utility.
The College of Humanities has invested in the Pax Natura carbon sequestration and
biodiversity protection program in Costa Rica.