Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Additional Energy-Saving Upgrades Planned for U Arkansas

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 06/08/21

The University of Arkansas is about to embark on a new round of energy-saving upgrades for its campus. The improvements will include the addition of LED lighting; fault detection diagnostics; upgrades to HVAC; and examination of building envelope systems and other retro-commissioning work. In total, the latest project will encompass some six million square feet of facilities. The upgrades are expected to reduce annual energy expenses by $1.35 million and reduce yearly power demands by the equivalent of 1,240 homes.

Entegrity Energy Partners will undertake the project, overseen by the Arkansas Office of Energy. Entegrity is a Little Rock-based energy services company. The Office of Energy promotes energy efficiency, clean technology and sustainable practices for organizations and residents in the state.

U Arkansas Cross-Laminated Timber Pavilions
Cross-laminated timber pavilions at Vol Walker Hall on the campus of the University of Arkansas.
Photo by Chieko Hara

In 2007, the university signed onto the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, which is now overseen by nonprofit Second Nature. Eventually, the institution established the goal of net carbon neutrality by 2040. The campus plans to reduce its carbon footprint through "a combination of sustainable building practices, energy efficiency upgrades and sustainable commuter transportation options." As of 2021, the campus carbon footprint is near 1990 emission levels and has decreased over the past decade even as both enrollment and built space have increased.

Most recently, Chancellor Joe Steinmetz joined the leaders of 74 other U.S. colleges and universities to push the Biden Administration to adopt a target of at least 50 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.

Speaking of his own institution's efforts, Steinmetz noted, "This project will not only help the University of Arkansas campus become more energy efficient, but it will also provide another example of our commitment to leading the way in supporting environmentally beneficial projects that also make good financial sense."

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • Hawaii Elementary School Reopens Following $25M Campus Modernization

    Haʻaheo Elementary School in Hilo, Hawaii, has reopened to students following a three-year, $25-million campus modernization and expansion project that significantly increases the school's instructional space while preserving one of the island's oldest educational institutions, according to local news.

  • University of Pennsylvania Releases Design of Future Physical Sciences Building

    The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) in Philadelphia, Penn., recently released renderings of an upcoming 350,000-square-foot Physical Sciences Building, according to news release. The facility was designed by CO Architects and will unite the university’s departments of Physics and Astronomy, Mathematics, and Earth and Environmental Science.

  • Construction Begins on 100+ Acre K–12 Campus Designed for Lakota Culture

    The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) and the Cheyenne-Eagle Butte School District in Eagle Butte, S.D., recently broke ground on a new K–12 campus that will cover more than 100 acres and serve students and families across 1,600 square miles, according to a news release.

  • UNH Marks Construction Milestone on Oceanic Exploration Facility

    The University of New Hampshire in Durham, N.H., recently celebrated a major construction milestone with a beam-signing ceremony for the new Center of Excellence for Operational Ocean and Great Lakes Mapping, according to a news release. The facility’s ultimate goal is to support research, training and technical assistance in ocean mapping.