NDSU is set to begin a major energy-reduction project that will produce significant utility savings and address both efficiency and deferred maintenance.
The overall project is anticipated to cost just under $11 million and will affect 63 buildings. The resulting utility savings will be substantial, allowing the project to pay for itself during the next 15 years, according to Michael Ellingson, director of NDSU facility management.
“Energy savings and sustainability are at the forefront of our nation and the opportunity is perfect to proceed with this project now,” said Ellingson, noting the project is expected to begin later this month.
NDSU’s contractor for the project, Energy Service Group, a division of Honeywell, guarantees the savings. According to Ellingson, if the total energy and operational savings do not at least equal the project costs, Energy Service Group will pay NDSU the difference.
“It’s phenomenal to do a project of this size and be able to pay for it through energy savings,” said Bruce Bollinger, vice president for finance and administration. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for NDSU and a proactive way to meet deferred maintenance needs.”
NDSU also received American Recovery and Reinvestment grants in the amount of $2.868 million, part of which will help with the costs.
Work on the project is anticipated to last 18 months, ending in December 2012.
Projects will address a variety of interior and exterior areas. Fifty-six buildings will receive plumbing fixture improvements. Sixty-three buildings will have air leakage issues addressed, relating to doors, windows and roof/wall intersections. And 13 buildings will receive extensive facility improvements, such as improved temperature controls, improved lighting and controls, better heating, rebalanced air handling systems and improved motor efficiency.
The projects were identified during an in-depth energy audit conducted by Energy Service Group between August 2009 and January 2011. The company looked for potential infrastructure improvements that would eliminate energy inefficiencies and ongoing maintenance costs.
A construction schedule has not been determined, but will take into account class schedules, summer activities and other events on campus. Ellingson said facilities management plans to keep faculty and staff informed by posting a schedule on their website at www.ndsu.edu/facilities/maint_const/index.html.
In addition to lowering costs, Ellingson explained that NDSU’s reduced energy consumption will lead to significantly less greenhouse gas emissions. He said carbon dioxide will be reduced by 6,484.5 tons, methane by 1.5 tons and nitrous oxide by nearly a ton.
Buildings that will receive work are listed below.
Buildings with plumbing efficiency improvements:
Administration (Old Main), Ag and Biosystems Engineering, Architecture and Landscape Architecture, Askanase Hall, Bentson/Bunker Fieldhouse, Bison Court East and West, Burgum Hall, C.I. Nelson Building, Ceres Hall, Churchill Hall, Civil Industrial Engineering, Dinan Hall, Dolve Hall, E. Morrow Lebedeff Hall, Ehly Hall, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Engineering and Technology, Engineering Center, Harris Hall, Hastings Hall, Heating Plant, Hultz Hall, IACC, Johnson Hall, Katherine Kilbourne Burgum Family Life Center, Ladd Hall, Library, Living Learning Center East and West, Loftsgard Hall, Lord-Burnham Greenhouses, Memorial Union, Minard Hall, Morrill Hall, Music Education Building, Northern Crops Institute, Pavek Hall, Putnam Hall, Reed Hall, Residence Dining Center, Residence Life Facility Service, Robinson Hall, Seim Hall, Sevrinson Hall, Shepperd Arena, South Engineering, Stevens Hall and Auditorium, Stockbridge Hall, Sudro Hall, Thompson Hall, Van Es Hall, Waldron Laboratory, Wallman Wellness Center, Walster Hall, Weible Hall North and South, West Dining Center and Wiidakas Lab.
Buildings with envelope air leakage improvements:
Administration (Old Main), Ag and Biosystems Engineering, Animal Nutrition and Physiology Center, Architecture and Landscape Architecture, Askanase Hall, Auxiliary Enterprises, Bentson/Bunker Fieldhouse, Bison Court E, Bison Sports Arena, Burgum Hall, Ceres Hall, Churchill Hall, C.I. Nelson Building, Civil Industrial Engineering, Construction Management, Criminal Justice and Public Policy, Dacotah Field, Dinan Hall, Dolve Hall, E. Morrow Lebedeff Hall, Ehly Hall, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Engineering and Technology, Engineering Center, Graduate Center, Harris Hall, Hastings Hall, Heating Plant, Hultz Hall, IACC, Johnson Hall, Ladd Hall, Loftsgard Hall, Lord-Burnham Greenhouses, Katherine Kilbourne Burgum (KKB) Family Life Center, Memorial Union, Morrill Hall, Music Education Building, North Weible Hall, Northern Crops Institute, Pavek Hall, Potato Research, Putnum Hall, Reed Hall, Robinson Hall, Residence Dining Center, Residence Life Facility Services, Seim Hall, Service Center Pilot Plant, Sevrinson Hall, Shepperd Arena, South Engineering, South Weible Hall, Stevens Hall and Auditorium, Stockbridge Hall, Sudro Hall, Sugar Beet Research, Thompson Hall, Thorson Maintenance Center, Van Es Hall, Waldron Hall, Walster Hall, West Dining Center and Wiidakas Lab.
Buildings with extensive facility improvements:
Ag and Biosystems Engineering, E. Morrow Lebedeff Hall, Hultz Hall, IACC, Katherine Kilbourne Burgum Family Life Center, Ladd Hall, Loftsgard Hall, Lord-Burnham Greenhouses, Morrill Hall, Stevens Hall and Auditorium, Van Es Hall, Waldron Laboratory and Walster Hall.