Memorial and Honeywell team up to save energy, costs

May 23, 2006

Memorial University's Department of Facilities Management has embarked on an Energy Saving Retrofit Program with Honeywell aimed at finding ways to save energy and reduce utility costs at various facilities. In the current environment of continually rising utility costs, increased demand and environmental concerns, the university is trying to explore ways to reduce energy consumption.

The retrofit program is fully guaranteed and funded through the energy savings. It focuses on energy efficient solutions designed to upgrade facilities, reduced operating costs, improved indoor air quality, and reduced environmental emissions. This type of program will allow the university to upgrade its infrastructure without significant capital investment. Darrell Miles, director of Facilities Management, indicates that the total value of projects involved in this contract could range between $10 and $15M. “It is a great strategic move when $10-$15M in capital investment in infrastructure can occur and be totally funded from energy savings,” Mr. Miles said.

According to Mr. Miles, reducing energy consumption means more than just saving money. “Spending less on utilities also provides additional funds for other programs and initiatives,” he said. “Reducing energy usage at the university reduces greenhouse gas emissions and is simply the right thing to do.”

Benefits of the program include: reduced energy and operational costs; environmental stewardship; improved facilities comfort and safety; capital renewal in facilities without capital investment; minimized financial and technical risk associated with the projects; and achieve guaranteed results.

As an added benefit, a number of Memorial's co-operative education students will be involved in the program development while working with Honeywell. This will provide excellent practical experience for engineering co-op students in the area of energy solutions while learning from the experts.

The university will also be eligible to receive grant money to help fund the program through Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Energy Innovators program. The amount of funding will be determined once the scope of the project has been established and the savings amount identified.

Honeywell engineers and auditors are currently on site conducting an audit of the university's existing systems including heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) mechanical equipment, air quality, lighting and automation systems. Honeywell is working with Facilities Management staff to develop a co-authored plan to improve the facilities' operations and energy efficiency. “Honeywell is pleased to be helping Memorial University renew their facilities to better serve its students, faculty and staff by realizing cost savings, reducing environmental emissions and improving the comfort of the indoor environment,” said Luis Rodrigues, vice president of Energy Solutions for Honeywell. “The guaranteed energy savings from Honeywell provide the university with a way to make improvements and save money at the same time.”

The audit is part of the first phase of the work which consists of a comprehensive engineering study for the Energy Performance Contract. The comprehensive engineering study is expected to be complete by October 2006. If the study confirms that the potential savings can definitely be realized, a detailed EPC will be negotiated with Honeywell.

Facilities included in the program are:

  • Arts Administration Building

  • Arts Extension

  • Chemistry Physics

  • Education Building

  • S.J. Carew Building (engineering building)

  • Queen Elizabeth II Library

  • Science Building

  • Utility Annex

Watch for updates on the progress of this important initiative. A web site will be available shortly that will host information and updates on this important initiative and provide the means for feedback and input form the university community.

Questions? Call 737-8719.


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