The University could save thousands of dollars in future operation costs as a result of seven energy-saving projects currently under way on campus.
The projects, which are funded by a $3.1 million federal stimulus grant, include:
-improving boilers at the on-campus Power House to reduce waste by reusing heated water previously lost to sewer systems.
-installing more efficient light fixtures in Patrick F. Taylor Hall and Hill Memorial Library.
-implementing Variable Frequency Drives, which will conserve air conditioning at Football Operations and the University Lab School.
The upgrade is a product of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, passed by Congress in 2009. The ARRA grants money to promote national projects that help reduce energy consumption while stimulating the economy and creating jobs.
Jim Mayne, associate director of Utility Services, said the grant helped Facility Services accomplish goals that had been on the department’s wish list for several years.
“These would be projects that if we had the money to do we would do anyway, whether the federal government gave us the money or not,” Mayne said. “The fact that we were able to get the money in a big lump sum allowed us to accelerate all of these