Energy Efficiency Projects
Facilities Management and Auxiliary Operations have undertaken many projects that help the university reduce energy consumption and improve the quality of the built environment, including:
Boiler and water heater replacement at Ratcliffe (2023)
Old, non-condensing boilers and water heaters were replaced with high-efficiency condensing boilers.
Building automation system upgrades at Forbes and Ferguson (2023)
Building automation systems control the complicated mechanical systems in campus buildings. These upgrades will provide more precise control of equipment to improve space conditions and reduce energy consumption.
Central plant chiller upgrades (2022-23)
The central chiller plant supplies cold water to many buildings around campus to cool spaces. Two high efficiency magnetic-bearing chillers and two new cooling towers were installed.
Boiler and water heater replacement at The Commons (2022)
Old, non-condensing boilers and water heaters were replaced with high-efficiency condensing boilers and pumps with variable frequency drives.
Energy recovery wheels at Forbes Hall (2022)
The energy recovery wheels were replaced in Forbes hall. These wheels capture energy from already conditioned exhaust air and transfer it to outside supply air to reduce the energy needed to heat and cool the building.
Coppertop and parking lot LEDs (2020-22)
The coppertop and parking lot light poles that illuminate campus have been upgraded to LED bulbs to reduce energy consumption and maintenance hours.
Freeman Center Field House LEDs (2020-22)
The lights in the Field House were upgraded to LED bulbs to reduce energy consumption and maintenance hours.
Boiler and water heater replacement at James River Hall (2019)
Old, non-condensing boilers and water heaters were replaced with high-efficiency condensing boilers.