March 20, 2013: ABM’s Bundled Energy Solutions to Help University Save $35.8 Million
ABM said the goal of its BES program is to drive costs out of a client’s operating budget to allow savings to be reallocated to fund other facility enhancements.
“This is our second energy project with ABM and it will enable the university to continue to concentrate on current and future maintenance needs, while taking another huge step forward in our energy stewardship,” said Mark M. Polatajko, vice president of business and fiscal affairs at Wright State University. “This is a game-changer for us in terms of sustainability.”
The energy efficiency upgrades span the university’s 557-acre campus, including 25 academic buildings, 26 student residential buildings, and its entertainment and athletics venue — the Wright State University Nutter Center. Principal upgrades include: eliminating 30 pieces of equipment into one consolidated boiler and chiller system, considerably reducing maintenance costs; retrofitting exterior lights with LED and induction lighting, cutting lighting energy consumption nearly in half; and installing pressure independent control valves, dramatically reducing energy costs and HVAC performance issues.
In addition, Wright State asked ABM to recommend a solution that would add affordable cooling to the Nutter Center throughout the year. After exploring several options, ABM determined it could use a pond near the Nutter Center as a geothermal cooling system. By adding a heat exchanger in the pond that is equivalent to a 300-ton chiller, the center will have free cooling all winter or until outside air temperatures reach about 80 degrees.
“This project is very comprehensive and serves as a tremendous example of the success we’ve seen with our BES program,” said Greg Hahn, general manager of ABM Building Solutions, Dayton. “It incorporates the innovative application of new and established energy saving technologies that will forever change the way the campus operates, while also guaranteeing savings that can be reallocated towards the school’s critical capital improvements. This is truly a win-win for Wright State.”
ABM first partnered with Wright State University in 2009 to complete its first energy conservation project, which reduced energy use by over 20 percent and provided the university with more than $1.3 million in annual energy savings. The project was completed in March 2011. As a result of these savings, Wright State was awarded $118,000 in demand-side management (DSM) rebates by Dayton Power and Light, and was eager to begin exploring additional campus-wide energy improvements.
“ABM is proud to continue our partnership with Wright State University,” said Scott Giacobbe, president of ABM Building & Energy Solutions. “In support of the university’s goals and objectives, we are able to provide a comprehensive energy efficiency improvement program with guaranteed savings. Wright State University can now be assured that their facilities are more efficient, comfortable, and sustainable.”
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Publication date: 3/18/2013
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