Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions - February 28, 2025
Montana State to Spend $50.5 Million for Energy Efficiency Projects
Montana State University will invest $50.5 million for energy efficiency projects that include the maintenance of several buildings on its campus. The projects will occur over several years and are projected to save the university $1 million in utility costs annually.
The university plans to adopt an energy performance contract and will include services that lower facility operating costs through energy conservation improvements.
“We’re able, in one fell swoop, to address many critical deferred maintenance and energy efficiency projects that would otherwise take years,” said Megan James, engineering and utilities director for MSU’s Facilities Management, in a statement. “This significant financial commitment showcases the continued support from the administration to invest in the future of the campus.”
The university will partner with McKinstry, a company that specializes in sustainable facility design and operations, and coordinate with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. McKinstry will design, bid and oversee construction of the projects.
The new contract includes 2.5 million square feet that are scheduled for upgrades, including:
- $9 million in energy efficient lighting upgrades for about 20 buildings.
- $20 million in building mechanical system upgrades in three buildings.
- $17 million in heat plant system upgrades.
- $1 million in plumbing fixture upgrades.
- $3.5 million in piping upgrades for geothermal well systems that store and share energy between buildings.
The projects will begin this summer and are scheduled to continue for the next three to five years.
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