Energy Efficiency  -  April 19, 2019

University of North Alabama modernizes to reduce energy costs

The University of North Alabama (UNA), announced a plan to cut energy costs 20% by the end of 2020 through the implementation of a capital recovery and reinvestment project to modernize its facilities, drive sustainability efforts and help the university reduce its energy consumption.

UNA will partner with Schneider Electric on the program. “We are committed to being one of the most sustainable campuses in the nation and are pleased to collaborate with an industry expert like Schneider Electric on this important step in our journey as a leader in higher education,” said Kenneth D. Kitts, president of UNA. “Through this partnership, we will be able to reduce our energy and operational costs and reinvest those savings back into our campus through cutting-edge upgrades that will provide a superior learning and working environment.”

The plan includes a comprehensive construction project that will touch over 70 UNA facilities. Major improvements to the campus will include smart automation and IT technologies, installation of LED lighting, improvements to heating and cooling systems, updates to the building envelope and roofing, and water reduction technologies, all designed to improve UNA’s energy efficiency and create savings opportunities.

The project is funded by an energy savings performance contract (ESPC) to generate a significant amount of savings that can be used to reinvest in improvements for the school and its students. The contract invests $17 million in sustainable and energy efficient infrastructure upgrades that will create energy and operational savings in excess of $27 million over the next 20 years.

 “The partnership between UNA and Schneider Electric provides students with the opportunity to engage in sustainable practices and energy efficient programs on campus,” said Dr. Brenda Webb, director of the Center for Sustainability at UNA. “It also potentially provides diverse learning projects for our students that have career and daily living applications.”

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