George Mason University and Siemens Building Technologies, Inc., partners in
Energy Management and Conservation.

In April of 2005, George Mason University and Siemens Building Technologies reached agreement on a 15
year energy performance contract that will save GMU a minimum of $1 million per year in energy costs.
The construction phase of the project concluded in September of 2006. Siemens upgraded the university's
lighting system by retrofitting or replacing more than 55,000 lamps with energy efficient lighting that will
save 16 million kilowatt hours of electricity each year. HVAC system upgrades included boiler and chiller
replacements in Thompson Hall, and the CHCP plant. Large motors for air handling units and pumps were
replaced with energy saving high efficiency motors. Cooling coils on air handling units were pressure cleaned
to increase air flow and reduce energy. Water conservation projects included water saving aerators on
all faucets, low flush toilets, low flow shower heads and retrofitting existing urinals with water saving
flush valves. Older control modules were replaced with the most up to date version to utilize faster network
speeds and implement more comprehensive energy saving routines.

In addition to the work of upgrading and retrofitting the systems, Siemens assisted George Mason in
finding a favorable interest rate of 3.81% for financing the cost of the project. The savings generated by
the upgrades and retrofits will cover not only the project's cost but the financing as well. Since 1983,
Siemens had been a valuable partner in helping George Mason University lead the way in Energy
Conservation and Energy Management.

 

ESPC I FIM Summary 10112011