Stanford reduces peak energy demand by 17%

Before SESI, Stanford relied on a gas-fired trigeneration plant and a steam distribution network that were approaching end of life. The university set out to significantly reduce energy use, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and cut water consumption across a growing research campus. At the same time, the existing heat recovery system was not operating efficiently, limiting the performance gains that SESI aimed to achieve and creating the need for a more modern, integrated approach to plant operations.

To achieve Stanford’s energy performance goals, the university combined mechanical upgrades with advanced energy management solutions.

York OM heat recovery chillers formed the core of the new energy facility, capturing waste heat and supplying it through a campus hot-water network.

Thermal energy storage supported more efficient chilled and hot-water operations, and new electrical infrastructure enabled the transition away from the gas-fired trigeneration system.

OpenBlue Central Utility Plant Optimization helped operators evaluate real-time plant conditions, coordinate heat recovery, and optimize plant dispatch across the redesigned system.

These solutions supported SESI’s shift to a cleaner, more efficient, and more resilient energy model.

The SESI upgrades resulted in several measurable efficiency improvements:

• 17% reduction in peak energy demand, driven by improved heat recovery and more efficient system-wide energy distribution
• 10% reduction in annual energy costs through lower electricity use and optimized plant operation
• 68% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as a result of shifting away from combustion-based systems and increasing heat recovery
• Lower domestic water use enabled by the transition from a steam-based system to a more efficient hot-water network
• Improved heat recovery performance, allowing the central plant to make better use of thermal energy already being generated
• More stable and predictable system operation across the redesigned chilled-water and hot-water networks

These outcomes highlight how SESI’s integrated design continues to provide lasting environmental and operational benefits for the university.

Founded in 1885 and located in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley, Stanford University is a world-renowned research institution recognized for its academic excellence, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. With seven schools and a strong interdisciplinary approach, Stanford fosters cutting-edge research and collaboration across technology, business, and the sciences. Its Graduate School of Business is consistently ranked among the top globally, shaping leaders and driving impact through education and research.