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SAIC projects (Completed)

Recent Project Updates

  • SAIC Report in the iCAP: Envelope

    5/30/2010

    The SAIC report derives most of its envelope-related savings from window replacement and roof insulation, assuming that only 1 percent of campus energy can be saved by weatheriza

  • SAIC Report in the iCAP: Lighting

    5/30/2010

    The campus is in the process of retrofitting older T12 fluorescent lighting fixtures by replacing them with more energy-efficient T8 (or T5)
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Project Family

Description

A recent evaluation of potential energy conservation measures on campus was performed by the international consulting firm Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). The subsequent report described conservation strategies with the potential to reduce campus energy use by about 32 percent, resulting in a 114,500 MTE CO2 reduction (this is about 22.5 percent of current emissions). According to SAIC, these energy and emissions reductions require a capital investment of $151 million, with an annual return of $9.8 million in the form of avoided energy expenses (this represents about a 15-year simple payback). As a starting point, the University will commit to carrying out all of the SAIC-prescribed energy conservation measures with a target date for completion of 2022.

Background

Summary of Recommendations

Conservation

1.       Complete metering at all three campuses.

2.       Establish utility rate structures at each campus.

3.       Install billing system at each campus.

4.       Develop and implement incentive systems.

5.       Implement a retro-commissioning program.

6.       Establish university-wide energy conservation goals.

7.       Immediately fund conservation projects where annual savings exceed annual costs.

8.       Ensure that each campus can capture energy savings and maintain a revolving account for energy conservation projects.

9.       Install DDC controls to enhance system control and reduce energy consumption.

10.   Complete ESCO contracting process.

Production

1.       Establish utility rates that reflect the minimum R&R investment suggested by SAIC.

2.       Create reserve accounts inside the energy budgets at each campus.

3.       Develop a capital budgeting process for utility systems external to the existing process.

4.       Continue to own and operate the production plants, generating electricity only when it is cheaper than purchasing it.

Organization

1.       Assign energy production and distribution facilities to the campuses to promote responsibility and accountability.

2.       Establish a strong reporting and oversight role at UA also to promote responsibility and accountability.

3.       Require each campus to develop and submit to UA for review a multi-year capital investment plan for energy supply reliability, distribution efficiency and energy conservation, by May 30, 2010. The plans will quantify the capital needs, and the university as a whole must examine priorities to find the capital dictated by the prudent planning.

It is intended that these recommendations provide the Chancellors, President and Board of Trustees a sound basis for action to ensure the long-term reliability of the utility infrastructure and a framework for reduced energy usage.

Conclusion

All of these SAIC recommendations have been implemented.  In the future, it would be useful to check that these measures have been effective.

No description has been provided yet.

Related Files

Themes

Project details last updated on: 7/6/2021. Check Project Updates for recent activity.