Manufacturer Reports

Honeywell Helps Coe College Graduate to Next Level of Sustainability

Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Energy Loan Will Fund Building Retrofit Project

MINNEAPOLIS — Honeywell has launched a campus-wide energy efficiency retrofit project for Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that is expected to decrease the college’s electricity use by 25 percent and natural gas consumption by almost 50 percent, and deliver approximately $220,000 in guaranteed energy and operational savings each year.

The project also aims to reduce the environmental impact of the 20-building campus, trimming close to 2,300 metric tons of annual greenhouse gas emissions. Combined with a transition to gas-fired heating in 2010, the college expects to cut its carbon footprint in half. This will help the school meet the sustainability requirements of the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), which Coe College and more than 680 other U.S. institutions have joined to help curb climate change.

Coe College will fund the $3.45 million project with a loan issued by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) under its Energy Bank funding program, a resource available to public and non-profit entities to finance energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy projects. The low-interest-rate loan will help the college pay for the work without tapping into its capital budget. And the savings the improvements generate, guaranteed by Honeywell through a 15-year performance contract, should cover the project expenses.

“We have a long history of adopting conservation measures, but had reached a point where it was difficult to achieve more without outside resources,” said Michael White, vice president of administrative services, Coe College. “Honeywell identified where we can drive greater efficiency and helped build a master plan for future improvements.”

As part of the retrofit project, Honeywell will implement a number of building management improvements in 16 facilities. These enhancements include redesigning air distribution systems and adding HVAC controls so operators can better manage energy use and comfort. Additional upgrades include: high-efficiency lighting and occupancy sensors; weatherization improvements to reduce the loss of conditioned air; and new plumbing fixtures to cut water waste.

Construction is expected to be completed in May 2015. Honeywell will work with local contractors to complete most of the upgrades, helping create or sustain an estimated 35 jobs based on figures from the National Association of Energy Service Companies.

“Energy retrofit projects help Coe College and other institutions in many facets, not just lowering energy use and costs,” said Paul Orzeske, president of Honeywell Building Solutions. “There are direct environmental benefits — important for organizations with sustainability goals. These projects also help revitalize critical buildings and infrastructure.”

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