Yellowstone Times

Montana State University (MSU) is set to embark on a significant initiative aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and addressing deferred maintenance across its campus buildings. The project, valued at up to $50.5 million, marks one of the largest sustainability investments in the university's history.

According to MSU officials, the plan aims to create more energy-efficient buildings while addressing deferred maintenance issues. The initiative is expected to save the university an estimated $1 million annually in utility costs. This strategic plan received approval from the Board of Regents in November.

The projects will be implemented over several years through an energy performance contract. Unlike typical public project processes, these contracts focus on reducing facility operating costs via energy conservation improvements.

Megan James, engineering and utilities director for MSU’s Facilities Management, highlighted the benefits of consolidating multiple projects under one large contract: “We’re able, in one fell swoop, to address many critical deferred maintenance and energy efficiency projects that would otherwise take years,” she said. “This significant financial commitment showcases the continued support from the administration to invest in the future of campus.”

The undertaking will be executed in partnership with McKinstry, a firm known for sustainable facility design and operations, alongside coordination with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. McKinstry will handle design, bidding, and construction oversight.

“When it comes to sustainability, every little bit counts,” noted Kristin Blackler, director of MSU’s Office of Sustainability. “An energy performance contract like this is greater than the sum of its parts and is beyond the scope of what we could do with our own staff.”

In previous years, MSU has successfully employed similar contracts for upgrades to auxiliary buildings such as residence halls. Blackler pointed out that students have benefited significantly from these initiatives: “First, the energy savings were immediately noticeable in our campus steam plant, and the temperatures inside the residence halls were noticeably improved,” she said. Additionally, McKinstry hired students for project work.

Under this new contract, about 2.5 million square feet of building space are slated for upgrades including:

- $9 million in lighting upgrades across approximately 20 buildings.

- $20 million allocated for mechanical system upgrades in three buildings.

- $17 million directed towards Heat Plant system enhancements.

- $1 million designated for plumbing fixture updates.

- $3.5 million earmarked for piping improvements related to geothermal well systems.

Work is scheduled to commence this summer and continue over three to five years. Funding will come from a mix of maintenance funds and debt proceeds; annual savings are expected to help repay this debt.

Duke Elliott from University Facilities Management expressed optimism about upcoming improvements: “These projects are hitting the bulk of our academic buildings that haven’t recently seen improvements,” he said.

James indicated plans for seeking future authorization for similar contracts based on past successes and anticipated outcomes: "Although reducing greenhouse gases is not a specific goal," she added that these efforts align with MSU's Sustainability Framework objectives like achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.

John How from University Facilities Management stated: “MSU has always done its best to be a good steward... The projects made possible by the energy performance contract will further that mission."

This initiative continues MSU's tradition of sustainability efforts which include programs such as composting partnerships diverting food waste and recycling initiatives since 2008 that have kept millions of pounds out of landfills.

In 2023 alone MSU earned recognition with a STARS Gold rating—a prestigious accolade reflecting excellence across various domains within sustainability practices—while also hosting events like their annual Sustainability Summit showcasing research advancements by students focused on sustainable development goals both locally at their Bozeman campus globally recognized LEED certifications among newly constructed facilities underscore ongoing commitments toward environmentally responsible growth strategies ensuring long-term viability amid evolving climate challenges worldwide