Syracuse Sun

Syracuse University recently announced significant energy savings following the completion of a project at the Center for Science and Technology (CST). The project, which spanned from 2019 to 2022, involved implementing various energy-efficient upgrades, resulting in a 25% reduction in steam use in 2023 and an annual emissions reduction of over 500 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e).

Jason Plumpton, assistant director of engineering, utilities, and sustainability at Syracuse University, highlighted the innovative approach taken during the project, stating, "Instead of thinking of excess building heat as something that we needed to remove, we thought of heat as a resource that we needed to recover and reuse."

The improvements at CST included adding an energy recovery loop to the laboratory exhaust and reconfiguring the chillers to operate in heat recovery mode. These upgrades not only reduced steam and chilled water consumption but also led to a notable reduction in campus greenhouse gas emissions.

The project at CST, which dates back to the building's completion in 1989, presented an opportunity for Sustainability Management to align the need for modern updates with building decarbonization efforts. By focusing on energy efficiency in laboratory buildings, the university aims to have a more meaningful impact on emission reductions and utility costs.

Overall, the project at CST serves as an example of incorporating sustainability into capital improvement projects. By harnessing energy that would have otherwise been wasted, the upgrades have not only enhanced the building's capabilities but also improved its overall efficiency.

As Syracuse University works towards its 2032 carbon neutrality goal, projects like the one at CST demonstrate the significant impact that energy-efficient strategies can have in reducing natural gas consumption and greenhouse gas emissions on campus.