Shippensburg University to Replace Heating, Cooling System

SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. — In an area where coal has long been the source of energy, Shippensburg University is in the process of upgrading the campus heating and cooling system to a more efficient source of energy — ultimately saving costs upfront and over time.

Construction on the new heating and cooling system began in January. The timing for the new construction project is ideal because whether or not the university replaced the system, it would have had to replace parts of the old system as well as bring it up to code.

The new heating systems should be completed this month, according to the university. The heating system replaces the aged steam plant and failing distribution system with modern, efficient boiler clusters throughout campus. The new system requires a shift from goal to natural gas, which will reduce the campus’ carbon footprint by 31 percent. Plus, it saves $10 million in upfront costs by not having to replace the underground steam pipes.

The air conditioning and cooling systems are slated for completion by April 2015. This includes replacing the building chillers with a central chiller plant and distribution system. The new system will reduce the school’s carbon footprint by 8 percent, according to the school, and will save about $330,000 in electric costs. The new 2 million-gallon thermal storage tank puts the university in the leading edge for energy conservation techniques, as well as saves additional electric costs by chilling water at night when the electrical demand is low. The new system also helps the university avoid the expense to upgrading the existing chillers to meet more strict CFC regulations.

During construction, fences are blocking off large areas around Wright Hall and Kriner Dining Hall, making access to these areas limited. Plus, the asphalt on several areas of the roads around campus is torn up, with several potholes and unpaved sections of road. Drivers should use caution in these areas. Students and faculty are asked not to enter fenced off areas and to be aware of construction vehicles.

The project is being completed as a joint venture between Gannett Fleming and WM Group Engineers, located in Camp Hill, Pa.