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Centrally Controlled Energy Related Efforts
 Using wood in lieu of natural gas has saved upward of $600,000 in energy costs per year over the last couple of years, even though steam production has increased to meet UI’s needs. Natural gas use has decreased, significant costs have been avoided, and efficient operation of the steam boilers have resulted from wood-fuel use.
Conversion of HVAC control systems in many buildings from old, inefficient pneumatic control systems to the centrally controlled Siemens Direct Digital Control (DDC) system. These upgrades improve the operational efficiency of the HVAC systems by reducing energy waste from out-of-adjustment/calibration and allow temperatures to be reduced during non-operational hours.
Development of a central campus chilled-water production and distribution system to save duplication of efforts around campus and improve energy efficiency. An efficient, double-effect steam absorption chiller and a new large, efficient electric chiller were recently installed at the North Campus Chilled Water Plant. The absorption chiller uses steam produced primarily from less-expensive wood fuel instead of electricity, and helps defer the need for additional electrical system infrastructure, in particular, a third substation. These units increase the central chilled water system capacity, allowing decommission of old and inefficient chillers and smaller, multiple air conditioning units at individual buildings.
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