Energy Grant for Retrofits
In 2013, Lake Superior College was awarded a $30,000 conservation grant from Comfort Systems, Duluth for major energy efficiency upgrades at its main campus. The 43,000 square foot main building now contains a hybrid boiler system, where one of the three existing standard boilers were upgraded to two natural gas fired, high efficiency, full condensing, modulating boilers. According to Plant Maintenance Engineer, Jim Borg, the two new condensing boilers serve as primary building heat suppliers, while the two older boilers are now back-ups, triggered mainly during periods of peak demand and extreme cold temperatures. High efficiency water heaters, which feed into the boiler system, were installed as part of the project as well. The HVAC system was also upgraded with five variable frequency drives on the pumps and air handling unit fans.
The 11,600 square foot Art Building’s steam heat system was also updated with two natural gas fired high efficiency hot water boilers.
Overall, the project will reduce 347,636 pounds of CO2 emissions and save almost $20,000 annually. The project payback is just over 14 years.
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