Newswise — Clark Atlanta University and Spelman College announced today the completion of a $12 million renovation of the John B. Shepherd Central Utility Plant located on the campus of CAU. The Central Utility Plant services 23 buildings at Spelman, 14 at CAU, and 14 at Morehouse.
Initially built in 1937 with modifications in 1968 and '82, senior leadership at the institutions recognized the necessity to upgrade the ailing utility plant. Energy Systems Group was selected in October 2006 to completely renovate the Central Utility Plant to provide steam, hot water for heating and chilled water for cooling to the three Atlanta University Center institutions for the next 15 years.
"We are extremely excited about the completion of this renovation which means efficiency and reliability for our students, faculty and staff. This marks a milestone and time for celebration for our campuses," said Robert Flanigan, vice president for Business and Financial Affairs and treasurer, Spelman College. "Since 2005, we have wrestled with various corrective options for the plant and are proud of the outcome and collaboration with our member institutions."
Renovation plans were under way in December 2006 when a boiler failure impacted heat and hot water service on the AUC campuses. Unfortunately, some students living on campus were inconvenienced and relocated to off-campus living facilities for one night while temporary boilers were installed to restore heat and hot water to the campus community.
"The success of this project clearly exemplifies the spirit of collaborative leadership that Clark Atlanta University and Spelman College demonstrated to effectuate measures for costs savings, efficiency and sound energy practices, while providing a state-of-the-art energy system to buildings served by the newly renovated plant ," said Michael Lacour, vice president for Management Services, Clark Atlanta University. "Clean energy is a topical issue for our nation, and we are proud to be at the forefront providing an innovative solution to this issue within our campus community."
Key facility upgrades by ESG include the installation of a 1300-ton chiller that enables the plant to provide chilled water for air conditioning of many buildings for the first time. In addition, ESG installed two new high efficiency boilers fueled by either natural gas or propane and one high efficiency boiler powered by electricity.
"ESG has significantly expanded the Central Utility Plant's heating and cooling capacity through a cost-effective strategy, all within its existing structural footprint," explained Ted Photakis, ESG regional director.
The University Financing Foundation facilitated the renovation by coordinating efforts of the development and financing teams.
"TUFF is so pleased to be a part of the collaboration that brought about the much needed renovation to the Central Utility Plant that will serve three great centers of learning. Institutions are only as strong as the infrastructure which supports them and this renovation will allow Clark, Spelman and Morehouse to focus on academics rather than boilers," said Thomas Hall, President and Chief Operating Officer of The University Financing Foundation.
"We commend both CAU and Spelman College on their collaboration utilizing an innovative financing solution to modernize their energy infrastructure, thereby enhancing their students' educational environment and comfort, while significantly reducing their energy consumption and carbon footprint," said Jim Adams, president of Energy Systems Group.
About Clark Atlanta UniversityFormed in 1988 by the consolidation of two historic institutions, Atlanta University (1865) and Clark College (1869), Clark Atlanta University, a United Methodist School is the largest of the United Negro College Fund institutions with an enrollment of more than 4,000 students. Clark Atlanta University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia, 30033-4097: Telephone 404-679-4501) to award Bachelor's, Master's, Specialist and Doctor's Degrees. The Carnegie classification list CAU as a Research University-High Research Activity. CAU is listed as one of the best southeastern colleges by The Princeton Review and has been selected to the Washington Monthly's 2008 list of best colleges and universities. National business and consumer publications rank Clark Atlanta high among the best buys in American higher education.
About Spelman CollegeFounded in 1881, Spelman College is a prestigious, highly selective, liberal arts college that prepares women to change the world. Located in Atlanta, Ga., this historically Black college boasts a 79 percent graduation rate, and outstanding alumnae such as Children's Defense Fund Founder Marian Wright Edelman; former U.S. Foreign Service Director General Ruth Davis, authors Tina McElroy Ansa and Pearl Cleage; and actress LaTanya Richardson. More than 83 percent of the full-time faculty members have Ph.D.s or other terminal degrees, and the average faculty to student ratio is 12:1. More than 2,100 students attend Spelman. For more information, visit http://www.spelman.edu.
About Energy Systems GroupEnergy Systems Group (ESG) is an award-winning energy services company operating from 15 offices throughout the Midwest and Southeast. The core business of Performance Contracting uses energy efficiency, technology, and long term financing to help building owners modernize their facilities. Renewable Energy solutions and assets are adding a whole new dimension to growth. ESG is a wholly owned subsidiary of Vectren Corporation. For more information about ESG, visit http://www.energysystemsgroup.com.
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