Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Wesleyan Pipe Conversion Project Anticipates Dramatic Energy Reduction

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 12/10/20

A $5.8 million sustainability project to convert steam plumbing to hot water plumbing recently completed the first of eight phases at Wesleyan University. When the conversion is done, the Connecticut university expects energy usage to be reduced by 25 to 30 percent. The total project will require replacement of some 10,000 feet of steam pipes and is expected to cost $39.3 million. The steam infrastructure currently provides building heat and hot water for much of the campus.

Student reporting in the Wesleyan Argus quoted university President Michael Roth as saying that the infrastructure update "is the most important thing we can do to become more energy efficient." The pipe conversion offers a number of benefits, the article explained.

First, generating water heat versus steam heat is more energy-efficient. While steam needs to be generated by heating water up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, hot water pipes require water to be heated up to about 120 degrees, a "substantial decrease" in the institution's carbon footprint. Also, there's less energy and water loss with the water system over the steam system as the hot water disperses heat through buildings and then returns to the power plant.

Second, maintenance and staff injuries will be reduced. In the last three years, the story noted, the school has spent $1.35 million steam pipe system repairs; and staff have been injured by the steam as they have worked on the pipes.

Third, when the new infrastructure is in place, it could enable the university to convert from natural gas to renewable energy. Currently, according to the reporting, 88 percent of the school's energy use comes from natural gas, at least for those buildings that are on the steam piping. Once the conversion is done, the university could also replace its natural gas boilers with "ground source (geothermal) heat pumps, enabling buildings to be heated through electricity generated by solar panels and purchasing renewable energy off the grid instead of using fossil fuels.

The next phase of the project is scheduled for summer 2021. The remainder of the future work hasn't been scheduled.

The university has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2035.

About the Author

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

Featured

  • UT System Approves First Funds for New Campus

    The University of Texas System Board of Regents recently approved funds to build the first facility of a new campus in far west Fort Worth, Texas, according to university news. UTA West will serve as a branch of the University of Texas at Arlington and is scheduled to open in fall 2028.

  • Northeastern University Breaks Ground on New Housing Community

    Northeastern University recently announced the groundbreaking of a new student housing community on its campus in Boston, Mass., according to a news release. The university is partnering with American Campus Communities (ACC) for development of the project, which will have the capacity for 1,200 students and has a scheduled completion date of fall 2028.

  • University of Illinois Moves Forward with College Sports’ Largest Digital Scoreboard

    The University of Illinois in Champaign, Ill., recently announced a series of upgrades to Gies Memorial Stadium that will include the largest scoreboard in college sports, according to a news release.

  • Zurn Elkay Releases 2025 Sustainability Report

    Zurn Elkay Water Solutions recently announced the release of its annual sustainability report, according to a news release. The 2025 report discusses the organization’s efforts to maintain good environmental stewardship and the solutions provided in helping customers meet sustainability goals.