MANCHESTER — The University of New Hampshire (UNH) and Eversource have announced a new energy efficiency partnership that will reduce the university’s operating costs and environmental impact at its Durham campus over the next three years.
At an event on campus at Parsons Hall, which is undergoing several energy-efficiency upgrades including New Hampshire-based SmartStack technology, UNH and Eversource highlighted the cost savings and environmental benefits of the new partnership – which is the first of its kind among New Hampshire colleges and universities.
The partnership is anticipated to annually save UNH 3 to 4 percent of its energy purchased from Eversource. Over three years, that will equal nearly 1,170 tons of avoided CO2 emissions, which is equivalent to the carbon sequestered by nearly 1,000 acres of forests.
“Sustainability is a core value and strategic priority for UNH and energy efficiency continues to be an essential part of that commitment,” said UNH President James W. Dean, Jr.
“As we continue to grow, add new buildings, or renovate existing facilities to accommodate campus life, our partnership with Eversource will help our overall energy efficiency and sustainability mission. Future project work completed under the partnership will help us update our research facilities and provide a modern, more comfortable, and competitive learning environment to our students and faculty.”
“UNH is leading the way and providing a model for other New Hampshire schools to follow in the years to come,” said Eversource New Hampshire President and Chief Operating Officer Bill Quinlan.
“Our partnership takes a comprehensive, cost-effective approach to energy management at UNH’s Durham campus, and the long-term savings will allow UNH to continue to invest in energy-efficient capital improvements, expand, and offer more services. We’re excited to partner with UNH on this important energy efficiency work to reduce energy use and costs, and we look forward to continuing to work with this world-class research university on other projects.”
Through the partnership, UNH and Eversource already have nearly 20 energy efficiency projects underway or completed together, including:
Parsons Hall: lab air change reduction and integration of SmartStack technology, a product of New Hampshire-based Measured Air Performance
Gregg Hall: new magnetic bearing chiller equipment with smart pumping controls for research air systems
Whittemore Center: new dehumidification, reviewing options and equipment for ice-making systems
Spaulding Life Sciences Center: significant renovation and new addition incorporating energy-efficient technology and building practices
Tirell Stables: lighting retrofit that reduced building energy usage by 50 percent with a payback of less than six months
Memorial Union Building: new LED lighting upgrades and installation of variable-frequency drives (VFDs) to regulate air handlers, exhaust heat, and cut energy use
Dimond Library: new LED lighting upgrades
Field House: new LED lighting, HVAC and VFD upgrades
Classroom and residence hall improvements: new lighting, HVAC, VFDs and other future upgrades at Adams Tower, Elliott, Gregg, Horton, Huddleston, Kendall, and Nesmith halls
The partnership supports UNH’s Climate Action Plan, WildCAP, which aims to reduce campus greenhouse gas emissions. UNH is one of only five institutions of higher education in the country to earn a STARS Platinum rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).
The university has repeatedly been ranked by environmental organizations like the Sierra Club among the top 10 green campuses in the nation and around the globe.
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