CMU campus construction projects focus on saving energy
Summer construction projects on campus focused on conserving energy and reducing electrical costs.
Students living in Beddow, Thorpe, Merrill and Sweeney Halls will have better control of the temperature in their rooms with the installation of temperature control valves, said Linda Slater, director of plant engineering and planning.
The project cost $120,000 and will save about $60,000 a year in heating costs, she said.
“These temperature control valves are a win-win situation,” said Steve Lawrence, associate vice president of Facilities Management. “Occupants can now control their own room temperatures providing more comfort, and it will reduce energy consumption.”
Brooks Hall also had mechanical, electrical and plumbing updates during the summer. FM replaced the existing HVAC system with 120 new heat pumps located in labs, classrooms and offices throughout Brooks Hall, Slater said.
“The original HVAC system was put into service in 1964 and is well past its intended useful life,” Lawrence said.
The new heat pumps are much more efficient, and each room can work individually instead of the whole building being under one heating or cooling mode, he said.
The $5 million project, also funded by Deferred Maintenance, will result in “increased occupant control and comfort” and will save energy by 25 percent, Slater said. The project budget is more than $5 million and also is funded by Deferred Maintenance.
Grawn Hall also saw some improvements.
“Occupancy lights were installed in Grawn Hall so that lights will turn off when classrooms and other spaces are not in use,” Slater said. “This project budget is $33,000 and saves more than $11,000 a year in electrical costs.”
FM also replaced roofs on the Student Athletic Center, the Bohannon School House, Neithercut Lodge, on five buildings in Kewadin Village and on seven buildings at the Northwest Apartments, Slater said.
