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Campus Breaks Ground for Renewable Energy Facility

University will burn wood to produce steam and electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and grid-purchased power.

Northern Michigan University (NMU) officials broke ground this spring on construction of a renewable energy facility that will bring the campus closer to its sustainability goals.

 

The $16.4 million facility was designed by Johnson Controls to burn wood chips and wood byproducts from Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where the university is located. The project is expected to help the university:

  • Reduce operating costs
  • Achieve greater fuel flexibility and protection from volatile gas pricing
  • Take advantage of renewable resources
  • Create local jobs

 

“This is not just an historical moment for Northern, but for me as the university’s president,” said Les Wong. “One of the first project ideas I heard about when I came to NMU was of a renewable energy facility. So for as long as I’ve been here, which is now eight years, this has been a strategic goal of the university and we appreciate the partnership we have with Johnson Controls to make it a reality. NMU is committed to being a campus that works hard at its sustainability measures and this facility will help us within that area.”

 

When completed, the facility is expected to produce:

  • Up to 87 percent of the campus steam consumption currently supplied by burning fossil fuel
  • Up to 16 percent of the university's electricity needs

 

The effort is funded by internal or bond proceeds paid back through operational cost savings guaranteed by Johnson Controls. In addition to the new construction, work will address $800,000 in long-term maintenance at the adjacent Ripley heating plant, which relies primarily on natural gas with fuel oil as a backup and will be used to meet peak steam demand. 

 

Learn more about renewable energy solutions provided by Johnson Controls.

 

Learn how performance contracting can help you offset the cost of facility upgrades through utility and operational savings.

 

 

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$40 million invested;
$55.5 million saved.

By collaborating with Johnson Controls, the University of Massachusetts is creating a more comfortable and environmentally friendly campus while saving $55.5 million in energy and operational costs over 10 years. 

Northern Michigan University
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