Overview
Located in Loudoun County, Virginia, George Washington University's (GWU), Virginia Science & Technology Campus (VSTC) has been conducting innovative research in engineering, physics, and chemistry, while providing outstanding education at its Virginia Science & Technology Campus in Loudoun County since 1991.
Strategically anchored in the University Center in Ashburn, the campus is positioned within the Northern Virginia technology corridor near Washington Dulles International Airport. A donation of 50 acres from regional developer Robert H. Smith helped establish the University Center and launched the VSTC. The first building, Exploration Hall, opened in 1991, and the campus has since expanded to 122 acres.
Our Approach
The central utility plants (CUPs) serving Enterprise Hall and Exploration Hall were nearing the end of their useful life, leading to rising energy and operational costs and negatively impacting campus reliability. In addition, the existing energy management control system serving Enterprise Hall, Exploration Hall, Innovation Hall, and Research Place was outdated and failing.
Result
We partnered with GWU to develop and implement an energy savings performance contract (ESPC). This project upgraded both CUPs and installed a new energy management control system, funded entirely through energy and operational savings. The upgrades reduced annual energy costs by more than 30%, lowered electrical consumption by 5,390,829 kWh per year, and cut CO₂ emissions by 3,717 metric tons annually.
Successful Partnership
Owner: George Washington University (GWU)
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