Campus Energy Delivery Optimization and Efficiency Project

The University of Alabama currently operates two interconnected central thermal energy plants which generate hot water for campus heating and chilled water for cooling for parts of campus. Over the years, the capacity of the two central thermal energy plants has been expanded, along with the service area, to provide efficient and reliable heating and cooling to many buildings on the campus. The proposed Campus Energy Delivery Optimization and Efficiency Project is an initiative to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the system and to continue the service area expansion based on the University’s Energy Master Plan. Focus on financial benefit and return of the work, both operating and capital expenses; performance of the system throughout the life cycle; consideration of total life cycle cost; and system resiliency and consistency of operation, while ensuring exceptional service to campus, were all key considerations of evaluating the initiatives and the plan.