Energy

Florida A&M Going Green with Infrastructure Upgrades

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 02/04/10

Florida A&M University has signed a $2.4 million contract with Siemens to improve the energy efficiency of its buildings. Work has already begun in areas such as lighting upgrades, pipe insulation, and steam trap replacements at the campus' central plant. When the work concludes in spring 2010, the vendor guarantees energy savings that will provide equivalent cost savings (depending on utility rates during the 10-year contract) of at least $4.1 million, which, the university said, will be enough to cover the financing and provide a return on the overall investment.

"Through this contract with Siemens, [Florida A&M] will add a significant project to the list of measures that we will take to help improve the environment and reduce our energy consumption," said President James Ammons. "Siemens is guaranteeing cost savings, providing training for our staff, and helping us to monitor and maintain the equipment. Siemens has a vested interest to see that we generate those savings."

The Tallahassee campus encompasses 156 buildings and 3.9 million square feet. It has 12,274 students. The retrofits and upgrades are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 4.5 million pounds, equivalent to planting nearly 15 acres of trees.