Southeast plans to save energy

Southeast Missouri State University plans to embark on an energy savings plan that could save the university $11.2 million over the next 10 years.

The Board of Regents on Monday approved a $13.4 million contract with Johnson Controls Inc. of St. Louis.

The contract provides for utility conservation initiatives, refurbishment of the steam-fueled heating and cooling systems, and major improvements to the power plant.

The power plant upgrades are designed to make it more reliable and efficient at producing steam and allow it to once again generate electricity for the campus.

Al Stoverink, facilities management director, said, "In terms of infrastructure on campus, these will be some of the most significant changes made in many years."

Southeast is looking at issuing $15 million in bonds for upfront money to fund the improvements.

Counting financing costs, the university expects to spend $18.9 million on the project, Stoverink said.

Over the 10-year period of the performance contract, more than two-thirds of the cash to fund these improvements will come from energy savings, school officials said. University funds will cover the remainder of the cost.

Lighting changes

Lighting modifications will account for 43 percent of the energy cost savings. Stoverink said that this summer about 25,000 light fixtures will be modified or replaced campuswide.

Automatic on-off sensors will be installed to automatically turn lights off when a room is not occupied, he said.

Another 37 percent in energy savings is expected to come from power plant improvements and 20 percent from various utility improvements on campus.

"These savings, coupled with a major reduction in campus water consumption that is also included in this program, will result in an overall campus utility cost decrease of over 20 percent," Stoverink said.

Southeast plans to improve restroom fixtures, primarily in the residence halls, so they will use less water.