Feature
Story
From Chiller Plant
to Utility Plant:
University of Oklahoma
takes the long view
Kevin Fox, PE, LEED AP, Principal, Jacobs Engineering Group
University campuses everywhere recognize the dilemma: With enrollment growing and utilities aging – but bud- gets tight – do they continue addressing only immediate
infrastructure needs, at least for now? Or do they change course
and invest in long-term improvements and efficiency?
In 2006, officials at the University of Oklahoma (OU) were
faced with just such a decision at the 2,290-acre main campus
in Norman. Prior studies of OU’s individual chilled-water,
steam and electrical systems had recommended upgrades for
each. A new 6,000-ton chilled-water plant and its $20 million
price tag had been approved, and the project was ready for
detailed design.
Rather than move forward with this plant, however, the
university decided to stop and take a broader look at its
entire utility infrastructure, at the suggestion of the design
consultants. As a result, OU changed its strategy. Today it
is constructing a new $60 million utility plant with on-site
combined heat and power that will enable the Norman campus
to efficiently meet its steam, chilled-water and power needs
through 2025.
Courtesy University of Oklahoma Public Affairs.
Famed for its mass plantings of seasonal flowers, the South Oval at OU
is anchored by the Bizzell Memorial Library on one end and “The Seed
Sower” on the other. This iconic statue symbolizes the sowing of seeds
of knowledge.
The Norman Campus
Established in Norman in 1890, OU ranks number one in
the nation in the number of National Merit Scholars enrolled
per capita among public universities and is in the top five
public universities in the nation in the graduation of Rhodes
Scholars. The Norman campus has 20 colleges, more than
350 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and a total
enrollment exceeding 30,000 students. Renowned athletically
as well as academically, OU, home of the Sooners, lays claim
to 26 NCAA national championships.
