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September 27, 2004
Boise State Campus Goes "Green" with Energy Efficiency Improvements

The blue-and-orange Bronco campus is going "green." Energy system improvements all over campus at Boise State University are underway to make the university a showcase of energy management and to enhance the learning environment and overall comfort.

"This project is one of the single largest steps forward in Boise State�s energy conservation program," said Einar Norton, P.E., assistant director of Facilities, Operation and Maintenance at Boise State.

The energy conservation measures are revenue-neutral, meaning that the guaranteed cost-avoided energy savings pay for the project over a prescribed period of time.  The project, referred to as an Energy Performance Contract or PC in engineering terms, is a partnership between Boise State University and Siemens Building Technologies Inc. Energy Services and Solutions.

The PC includes approximately $8 million worth of facility improvements to the lighting, heating and cooling systems, water regulation and other energy/utility systems throughout the campus. The retrofit and installation projects will span about 15 months, from September 2004 through December
2005.

Providing a boost to the local economy, Siemens will employ mainly Idaho contractors for the campus projects.  "Keeping Idaho�s money in Idaho is one of the key benefits provided by this project," said Norton.

Covering approximately 2 million square feet of facilities and 35 buildings, a few samples of the energy conservation measures included are:
 
bullet Retrofit of 21,264 lighting fixtures with more efficient technology
that provides more natural lighting.
bullet Upgrade of 718 toilets, 207 urinals, 924 faucets and 68 showerheads to
low-flow conservation devices.
bullet Automated lighting controls that will turn the lights out when
occupants leave the room.
bullet Improved heating and air-conditioning controls designed to minimize the
"hot and cold" spots that plague many buildings.
bullet Air quality sensors in building ducts to maintain a healthy mix of
fresh air in the indoor environment.
bullet Vending machines that light up only when users are nearby.


The collaboration among Boise State, Siemens Building Technologies Inc., the
Idaho Division of Public Works, and the state�s Rebuild Idaho energy program
has lead to annual guaranteed utility savings of more than $400,000 per
year.  This grows to more than $800,000 in annual savings in future years
when utility rate escalation is considered. Boise State is financing the
performance contract through tax-exempt general obligation bonds.

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Contact: Einar Norton P.E., Boise State Assistant Director of Facilities,
Operations, and Maintenance, (208) 426-2481, enorton@boisestate.edu
Siemens Contact: David Naccarato, Siemens Building Technologies Inc., (208)
890-1426, david.nacacarato@siemens.com
Media Contact: Pat Pyke, News Services, (208) 426-1987, ppyke@boisestate.edu



 

  

Last reviewed on Thursday, August 31, 2006