Virginia Tech to Implement Comprehensive Energy Savings Program

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia, is implementing a comprehensive energy savings performance project. Pepco Energy will install more than $5.3 million in new energy conservation measures for five buildings on the university campus, which comprise nearly 561,000 square feet academic, athletic and student dining areas. Phase One of the project will include lighting retrofits, HVAC controls upgrades, water conservation measures, variable frequency drives, kitchen ventilation upgrades, cooling tower retrofits, building envelope sealing, and steam system repairs.

Following the approval of Virginia Tech’s Climate Action Commitment Resolution in 2009, the accompanying Sustainability Plan established a key action item to develop a ‘campus demand side and load management program’ involving energy savings performance contracting,

The new and improved energy infrastructure should reduce energy consumption by more than 10 percent in the respective buildings and lower carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 4,200 metric tons. Over the 11-year performance period, Virginia Tech expects to save more than $8.4 million.

Construction began earlier this month and is due to be completed by February 2013.