Wittenberg Awarded State Funding For Installation Of High-Efficiency Boiler Plant
July 20, 2010
Filed in Featured Events
Undated photo shows construction of original boiler steam plant alongside HPER Center.
Springfield, Ohio – Wittenberg University has received $569,000 from the Ohio American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program to replace its existing boiler plant, which will simultaneously improve the efficiency of its campus heating system and maintain the historical integrity of one of Wittenberg’s most cherished buildings.
The new boiler plant will replace a 40-year-old steam plant attached to the Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Center that provides heat for more than 70 percent of the campus. The proposed high-efficiency, dual-fueled steam generation plant will result in estimated annual energy savings of 19 percent and cost savings of $105,479. The system, which will be installed above the existing boiler room in the HPER Center to allow for ease of access to plumbing, power and exhaust, includes two new HP Thermogenics steam boilers with dual fuel (natural gas and oil).
The new boiler plant and related modifications to the equipment room and roof will not alter the distinctive characteristics of the historic property, which was originally built in the late 1920s. The HPER Center will continue to be used for its historic purposes of both campus recreation and central heating for the campus community.
The energy efficiencies achieved by replacing the existing steam plant are consistent with a campus-wide movement to invest in “green” initiatives. In April, University President Mark Erickson approved a $125,300 investment in a Sustainability Loan Fund, which will be used for campus projects that will increase efficiencies, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and make other measurable improvements to the campus’ sustainability.
Through coursework, internships and independent studies, Wittenberg students will assess the cost/benefits of proposed projects and then monitor and assess increased resource efficiencies and cost savings following their implementation. Students will also serve on the committee that evaluates proposals for the use of loan funds.
“We are very proud of the collaborative efforts of our campus community and local government officials to secure this funding,” Erickson said. “Not only does this investment align with our commitment to reducing our energy consumption by 20 percent by 2020, but it also reflects a wonderful partnership with the state of Ohio.”
Wittenberg, the city of Springfield, and the state of Ohio have often partnered on efforts that benefit the community and the college. This fall, for example, Wittenberg and Springfield will work together through the university’s Center for Civic & Urban Engagement to host a Green Expo. The event will feature demonstrations and exhibits to inform residents and small businesses about strategies, resources and financing to help them increase energy efficiencies and reduce waste in their homes and places of work.
The focus of the Green Expo will be on energy conservation, building upon the strong recycling program the City of Springfield already has in place. Vendors from throughout southern Ohio will be invited to conduct demonstrations and display their products and services. Banks and not-for-profit agencies, such as the Neighborhood Housing Partnership, will share information and provide counseling on available grants and loans.
The Wittenberg boiler plant project will serve as a case study, which will illustrate the value of investment and energy savings that recoup invested dollars over time.
Written By: Ryan Maurer
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