Michigan State University has begun an energy-conservation project on one of its oldest science buildings, a project that could eventually reduce energy use by 30 percent and save millions of dollars.
At its Dec. 14 meeting, the MSU Board of Trustees gave the university the go-ahead to start the work on Anthony Hall. Among the energy-saving measures to be addressed: More efficient air ventilation in laboratories, cooling tower improvements and a conversion to direct digital climate controls.
The work is part of the Better Buildings Challenge, a national initiative in which MSU is a partner, designed to promote the construction and retro-commissioning of more energy-efficient buildings in the United States.
The partnership’s goal: A 20 percent reduction in national energy use by 2020, something that could save more than $40 billion in energy costs.
Last year MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon was among a host of dignitaries who met in Washington, D.C., with President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton to help launch the initiative.
MSU selected Anthony Hall for its showcase project because of its age – it was built in 1957 – and because it offered many opportunities for an energy upgrade.
“The estimated cost of the work is about $7 million,” said Bill Latta, assistant vice president for operations. “However, we expect our average annual energy savings to be around 34 percent, with a payback period of about 10 to 13 years.”
Latta said one of the major changes will be the installation of air-quality sensors in the building’s laboratory ventilation systems.
“Normally the ventilation system in a lab operates by providing 10 to12 air changes per hour, whether needed or not,” he said. “This will allow that rate to be reduced and have it increase air changes on an as-needed basis.”
He expects that change alone will save up to $128,000 a year in energy costs.
In addition to reducing energy use, the project also will enhance safety, increase occupant comfort and improve operations.
Anthony Hall is a 317,200 square foot multipurpose building that houses the Department of Animal Science and the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, as well as the university’s meats lab and Dairy Store.
Work on the project is scheduled to begin in February 2013, with a completion date of November.
For more information on MSU’s part of the Better Buildings Challenge, visit http://www4.eere.energy.gov/challenge/showcase/michigan-state-university/anthony-hall.