[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/energy_retrofit.jpg” caption=”Energy retrofit”]McMaster will revitalize and renew its buildings and reduce energy costs with the implementation of an energy retrofit program, approved yesterday by the Board of Governors.

The program will invest $28 million into facility renewal over the next three and a half years, beginning in June. Savings in energy costs will help pay for the program, says Tony Cupido, director of Physical Plant. “The energy reduction program will save the University approximately $1.5 million annually in energy costs and will reduce energy consumption by 23 per cent,” he says.

The first priority of the program is retrofitting lighting by replacing old, inefficient T12 bulbs with T8 bulbs, which use less energy, have less glare and provide better quality and colour of light. Additionally, new ceiling and occupancy lighting censor controls will be installed, existing controls will be replaced to improve air quality and temperature control, water efficient devises will be utilized, air handling units will be refurbished to provide better air quality and digital control will create energy efficiencies during unoccupied times. The program also addresses health and safety, code compliance and building integrity.

Approximately three-quarters of campus buildings will be included in the retrofit project, says Cupido, adding the schedule of implementation will be provided to the campus community prior to work being undertaken. “The air quality in these buildings is going to improve significantly,” he says. “While a lot of the work that will take place will not be seen, people are going to notice a big difference in facility comfort.”

Deferred maintenance will also be reduced at the University by about $24 million. Currently, McMaster's deferred maintenance stands at about $178 million over the next five years.

The program will pay back in about 19.5 years, according to a report from the Planning and Building Committee. Ameresco Canada Inc. will provide services for the implementation of the program.

Other institutions establishing or considering facility retrofit programs include the University of British Columbia, the University of Manitoba and Ryerson University.

Photo caption: Physical plant director Tony Cupido, left, and Al Paskevicius, utility services manager, inspect a recently renewed steam trap in one of the University's service tunnels. Photo credit: Chantall Van Raay

Pictured below, one of several poor functioning rusted steam traps that will be replaced with the energy retrofit program. Photo courtesy: Ameresco Canada Inc