High-Efficiency Equipment Will Save
Over Two Million
Kilowatt-Hours of Electricity a Year
December 18, 2007
A decision by Harvard University to install new, high-efficiency cooling equipment qualifies the university for a $250,000 rebate from NSTAR and will dramatically impact their future energy use. The new equipment, funded in part through NSTAR’s Construction Solutions energy efficiency program, is expected to save over two-million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year when compared to standard-efficiency models. The move will also result in Harvard saving approximately $150,000 a year in operating costs.
“Harvard University is a large customer with substantial energy needs,” said Penni McLean-Conner, NSTAR’s Vice President of Customer Care. “By opting to install a high-efficiency cooling system in its new facility, the university not only receives a significant rebate from NSTAR, but will also enjoy the energy-saving benefits for years to come.”
“The construction of our new Northwest Plant is a prime example of how Harvard engages in responsible expansion,” said Tom Vautin, Harvard’s Associate Vice President for Facilities and Environmental Services. “The campus is growing, but the new facility adds capacity while saving money and reducing Harvard’s environmental footprint”.
Working with NSTAR’s energy efficiency team and the company’s Construction Solutions program, Harvard installed a high-efficiency chilled water plant adjacent to the university’s new Northwest Science building. The new plant is the latest addition to Harvard’s district cooling system that serves 73 campus buildings. Construction Solutions promotes the use of high-efficiency equipment instead of standard-efficiency models by rebating up to 75 percent of the incremental cost difference between the two options.
NSTAR is the largest Massachusetts-based, investor-owned
electric and gas utility. The company transmits and
delivers electricity and natural gas to 1.4 million
customers in Eastern and Central Massachusetts,
including more than one million electric customers in 81
communities and 300,000 gas customers in 51 communities.
