Lamar University Undergoes Efficiency Upgrades, Now Saves $1.63 Million in Annual Utility Costs

Texas-based Lamar University today announced it has reached a $20 million energy savings milestone as a result of its energy efficiency project with Schneider Electric after a 15-year partnership between the two. To date, this project has generated $21.3 million in energy savings. Additionally, the project has reduced campus-wide utility consumption by 43%, saving on average $1.63 million in annual utility costs.

Back in 2004, the university was struggling with a growing list of deferred maintenance challenges, including equipment failures and outdated technology. To address these issues, the university turned to Schneider Electric to develop a customized energy efficiency project. The savings came from a wide variety of measures that improved energy efficiency and enhanced the learning environment, including:

• Replacing HVAC equipment to increase comfort for staff, faculty and students
• Updating hot water heaters, water fixtures and the chiller plant to increase the life of equipment
• Installing new energy management systems to decrease staff maintenance time
• Retrofitting campus lighting for a brighter learning environment

Other Schools Focusing on Efficiency and Environment

Princeton University’s new Sustainability Action Plan — announced yesterday — sets bold targets to further reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and outlines strategies to engage all faculty, staff and students in creating a sustainable campus. Princeton will aim to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2046, the University’s 300th anniversary.

Princeton’s sustainability goals rely on interwoven approaches: Building evidence through academic and operational research projects; collaborating across units and departments; and engaging faculty, staff, students and alumni in various ways to spur action and forge solutions.

Earlier this month, the University of North Alabama (UNA) announced a partnership to implement a capital recovery and reinvestment project with Schneider Electric to modernize its facilities, drive sustainability efforts and help the university reduce its energy consumption. UNA and Schneider Electric have committed to cutting the university’s energy costs 20% by the end of 2020.

And in March, Florida A&M University’s board of trustees approved a partnership with Duke Energy Florida to construct a solar facility. The new solar plant is expected to add nearly 75 megawatts of energy to the grid at the university’s Brooksville Agricultural and Environmental Research Station (BAERS).

The board signed off on a 25-year lease agreement with Duke Energy Florida. It includes a due diligence period for site investigation and permitting before construction starts on the solar project, the university says.

The 4th Annual Environmental Leader & Energy Manager Conference takes place May 13 – 15, 2019 in Denver. Learn more here.