MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Memphis, as part of a major initiative to take the campus green, conducted extensive renovations of its campus climate control system to dramatically reduce energy usage on its main campus. As a result, the university anticipates $2 million in savings over five years from the reduction in energy use and decreased maintenance costs. In six months, the university saved more than 5 million kilowatts -- enough to power 450 homes for an entire summer.
Prior to these upgrades, the university had difficulty cooling the campus, with some buildings receiving far more cold air than necessary while others were left without any cooling capacity at all. This created an unbalanced and sometimes uncomfortable learning environment for students and faculty. The renovations addressed these issues and combined the various new heating and cooling system controls and pumps into one location, making the system more user-friendly and energy efficient, reducing the campus' carbon footprint and energy costs.
At a cost of approximately $3.3 million, the system will pay for itself in 15 years. The system will provide a total savings of over $6 million over its predicted lifespan.
To commemorate these upgrades, the university earned the Trane Energy Efficiency Leader in Education Award for its sustainable energy and operational efficiency building designs and practices. The award was presented by Trane Area Manager David Wilkins, to University President Dr. Shirley Raines.
"Our campus spans more than 1,100 acres and consists of residence halls, laboratories, classrooms and offices serving more than 20,000 students and 2,500 employees," said University of Memphis President Dr. Shirley Raines. "Providing a high-performance learning environment, while setting an example of environmental and fiscal responsibility, is a daunting challenge on this scale. These renovations, in combination with other projects we've set in motion aimed at greening our university, allow us to do that."
Adding comfort and capacity
The University of Memphis was faced with rapidly aging infrastructure and skyrocketing energy costs. Just as problematic, the combination of inefficient and ineffective heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems with the hot and humid Memphis climate created an unpleasant learning and working environment for students and staff.
As a signatory to the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment, the University of Memphis was simultaneously engaged in an overall effort to reduce energy use and the make the campus carbon neutral. These efforts are highlighted in the university's celebration of Sustainable Technologies Awareness Day on Oct. 7.
Specific energy-saving techniques included converting the entire campus from a constant volume water pump system to a variable primary flow pumping system. This would allow the system to supply each campus building with chilled water on demand, rather than a constant volume regardless of demand. The system has dramatically dropped energy usage and actually provided additional cooling capacity that the university was going to add in support of a planned campus expansion.
About the University of Memphis
Founded in 1912, the University of Memphis is a comprehensive metropolitan research university that is recognized nationally and internationally for its academic, research, and athletic programs. With more than 20,000 students, the U of M offers more than 254 areas of study for those seeking bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. It also offers the juris doctor (law) and education specialist degrees.
About Trane
Trane, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ingersoll Rand , provides systems and services that enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings around the world. The business offers a broad range of energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; dehumidifying and air cleaning products; aftermarket service and parts support; advanced building controls; and building and financing solutions including those that allow energy-efficient systems to pay for themselves through energy savings. Trane's systems and services have leading positions in premium commercial, residential, institutional and industrial markets; a reputation for reliability, high quality and product innovation; and a powerful distribution network. The business has more than 29,000 employees worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.trane.com/ and http://www.americanstandardair.com/.
Trane has served customers in Tennessee and the MidSouth for over 30 years, with four sales offices, the global parts distribution center in Southaven, MS, AfterMarket Supply parts centers, and service centers. Trane in Tennessee and the MidSouth has approximately 400 associates serving the needs of education, healthcare, government, manufacturing, lodging and retail, along with other businesses in Tennessee and the MidSouth.
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