Facilities Management is pleased to provide a progress update on the Central Utility Plant Replacement (CUPR) project. The campuswide project will contribute to carbon- reduction goals by reducing energy consumption through central plant efficiency improvement, increased electrification and implementation of building energy-efficiency measures and renewable generation.

We thank everyone for their patience and support as our campus moves away from fossil fuel use and toward a more sustainable future.

LED lighting upgrades
Upgrades to LED lighting and sensors in 22 campus buildings will enhance learning and working environments through improved lighting quality and user control and use of available daylight that will contribute towards the overall 30% reduced energy consumption which is a requirement of the project.

Thanks to new programmed lighting controls for new light fixtures and switches (Engineering East, Conley Art, Family Food Science, Music, Peters Business, and South Gym) lights will automatically turn off after 30 minutes, if no movement is detected.

You can do your part to save energy by turning lights off manually when you are the last to leave a space. New light switch plate stickers serve as reminders.

Utility distribution system
Natural gas consumption will be reduced by 73%, thanks in part to new underground distribution piping connecting buildings to the central plant

Underground work to install the main loop of the distribution system that connects chilled and hot water lines to 27 buildings is currently in progress.

Following safety methods of sloping and shoring trench walls with supports to prevent cave-ins and create a safe work environment.

Main loop pipes are laid above ground to be inspected, measured, and prepared for trench burial.

Main loop pipe underground preparation behind Engineering East.

HVAC and building controls
The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and energy management system (EMS) in 10 campus buildings are being upgraded. The EMS monitors and controls the HVAC systems, along with all the other systems on campus, to maintain occupant comfort while increasing energy efficiency.

Thermostats and energy-management systems have been completed at both music buildings, and are pending final review.