Energy

Energy conservation can be achieved through behavioral changes, operational budget efforts, and through capital projects. Where possible, energy conservation opportunities and efforts are integrated into maintenance, renovation, and remodeling capital projects. Dedicated energy conservation capital projects can be achieved through any of the following three capital project programs.

1. Small Projects Program
2. All Agency Projects Program
3. Performance Contracting Program

Energy conservation capital funding is categorically enumerated as Program Revenue Supported Borrowing (PRSB). Debt service for these projects is funded from the UW System utility account and based on projected savings for specific projects. During the capital budget planning process, each institution identifies potential and future energy conservation projects for implementation. Planning is required to identify scope, budget, energy conservation opportunities. To assist institutions with this planning, multiple energy service contractors are pre-qualified to provide comprehensive consulting and contracting services. Services include scoping and investment grade energy audits, project scope development, project bidding, project construction, commissioning, and energy savings measurement and verification.

The agency initiates the planning process by selecting three contractors to provide scoping level audits of various facilities. Based on the scoping audit results and contractor presentations, one contractor is selected to perform an investment grade audit and potentially construct the project. After the audit is completed and consensus is reached regarding which energy conservation measures will be included in the project, a capital project request and supporting documentation is advanced for Board of Regents and State Building Commission construction authority. All energy conservation projects must meet a 16 years or less simple payback requirement. If the agency cancels the project after the investment grade audit is completed, the agency is required to pay the contractor five cents per GSF audited.