Completion: April 2012

Objective: Install an efficient HVAC system to heat and cool the entire college campus.

Work Completed: Valencia College, which recently received the Aspen Prize as the top community college nationwide from the Aspen Institute, revamped its HVAC system for $1.77 million. The 1,500-ton central energy plant will serve the entire college campus and its 41,538 full- and part-time students. An old air conditioning system on the West Campus was replaced with a high-efficiency chiller plant, designed to supply all the cooling needs for the main campus buildings using chilled water. Additionally, an investment was made in the installation of a high-cycle water treatment technology system. A recent study revealed that from June 2010 to May 2011, Valencia used 9.4 million fewer gallons of water with the new system over the previous year, or a 36 percent reduction, saving the college more than $102,000.

“Westbrook utilized 3D computer modeling to refine the system's design and to help facilitate extensive offsite prefabrication of the various hydronic piping systems. Using these lean construction principles, we were able to pick up efficiencies in filed piping and welding crafts, which in turn reinforces scheduled completion and strengthens the quality of workmanship.”
— Clay Harem, senior project manager, Westbrook Corp.

Publication date: 04/30/2012