West Virginia University and Siemens Building Technologies Inc. announced the implementation of a project to significantly reduce the annual energy and water usage in WVU s educational facilities.
The project is being administered through a comprehensive program of energy-efficient capital improvements financed by the savings generated from avoided energy costs over a 10-year period.
Under the $7.8 million first phase of the energy savings contract, Siemens will finance the purchase and installation of energy-saving lighting, building automation controls and programming, chillers, steam traps, process water conversion and side stream filtration, weatherization and other energy and water savings improvements to WVU s buildings.
Campus buildings involved in the first phase include the Mineral Resources Building, Engineering Sciences Building, Engineering Research Building, National Research Center for Coal and Energy, WVU Greenhouse, Evansdale Library, Agricultural Sciences Annex, Chiller Plant building, Brooke Tower and the Creative Arts Center.
Plans also call for student participation in an education and awareness program in responsible energy use. The program is designed so that students, as a campus community, can foster environmental stewardship and resource conservation. The second, third and fourth phases are scheduled to follow at 18-month intervals.
This project will benefit WVU by reducing energy costs by providing the University with more energy efficient and comfortable facilities that are equipped with many new improvements,said Narvel Weese, vice president for administration and finance at WVU .We have been challenged over the years to try and upgrade, improve and maintain equipment that doesnt meet modern-day energy-efficient standards. This project will go a long way toward meeting that challenge and build on other campus efficiency projects.
The conservation improvements have been designed to reduce electrical, heating and cooling demands, as well as lower water usage. Once completed, the improvements are expected to result in significant cost savings and a major reduction in emissions, officials said.
Joe Fisher, WVU associate vice president for facilities and services, noted thatOld, broken-down equipment will be eliminated, and routine maintenance required to keep the old equipment running will be reduced, allowing staff to focus on other work.
The effect will be to free up otherwise overburdened capital budgets, University officials said, enabling it to address other more pressing infrastructure needs while improving the quality of life for students, faculty and staff.
This project supplements other energy efficiency improvements under way on campus, Fisher added.
For example, WVU is working to meet the energy-efficiency standards of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification program in Oglebay Hall, where three heat-recovery units are being installed in the attic that will significantly lower that buildings energy usage bill.
Renovations to Brooks Hall include the installation of a vegetativegreenroof, which employs plants to improve insulation, extend the life of the roof and reduce storm water runoff; energy-efficient lighting; and air handlers.
Energy-efficient lighting and air handlers will be installed in Colson Hall as well. Also, the new South Agricultural Sciences Building has a heat recovery system to reclaim heat from the fume hood exhaust.
Other ongoing efforts to make the campus more environmentally friendly include a recycling program in the buildings, and the recent launch of Mountaineers Recycle, a WVU -West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection joint program at WVU athletic events. Other aspects of the EPA Energy Star program are being evaluated for implementation where effective.
Also, an expanding partnership with Mountain Line Transit to get more students and employees to ride city buses for free with valid ID has a positive impact on the environment by taking more carsthus emissionsoff the roadways.
WVU is West Virginias flagship comprehensive research university, enrolling more than 27,000 students at its main campus in Morgantown. WVU is among only 151 institutions designated as a Research University (High Research Activity) by the Carnegie Foundation. As a leader in providing supportive programs that enhance the student learning and living experience, WVU has educational facilities that are modern and technologically sophisticated. The vibrant community of Morgantown offers countless cultural and recreational opportunities for students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information on WVU , visit:http://www.wvu.edu
As a leading provider of energy and environmental solutions, building controls, fire safety and security system solutions, Siemens Building Technologies Inc., makes buildings comfortable, safe, productive and less costly to operate. With U.S. headquarters in Buffalo Grove, Ill., Siemens Building Technologies employs 7,200 people and provides a full range of services and solutions from more than 100 locations coast-to-coast. Worldwide, the company has 28,000 employees and operates more than 500 locations in 51 countries. For more information on Siemens Building Technologies, visit:www.usa.siemens.com/buildingtechnologies