Upgraded Boiler System Goes Online in the Atlanta University Center
Atlanta – Clark Atlanta University (CAU) and
Spelman College announced today the completion of a $12 million renovation of the John B. Shepherd Central
Utility Plant located on the campus of CAU. The Central Utility Plant services 23 buildings at Spelman, 14 at CAU,
and 14 at Morehouse.
Initially built in 1937 with modifications in 1968 and ’82, senior
leadership at the institutions recognized the necessity to upgrade the ailing utility plant. Energy Systems
Group was selected in October 2006 to completely renovate the Central Utility Plant to provide steam, hot water for
heating and chilled water for cooling to the three Atlanta University Center (AUC) institutions for the next 15
years.
"We are extremely excited about the completion of this renovation
which means efficiency and reliability for our students, faculty and staff. This marks a milestone and time
for celebration for our campuses," said Robert Flanigan, vice president for Business and Financial Affairs and
treasurer, Spelman College. "Since 2005, we have wrestled with various corrective options for the plant and are
proud of the outcome and collaboration with our member institutions."
Renovation plans were under way in December 2006 when a boiler
failure impacted heat and hot water service on the AUC campuses. Unfortunately, some students living on campus
were inconvenienced and relocated to off-campus living facilities for one night while temporary boilers
were installed to restore heat and hot water to the campus community.
"The success of this project clearly exemplifies the spirit of
collaborative leadership that Clark Atlanta University and Spelman College demonstrated to effectuate measures for costs
savings, efficiency and sound energy practices, while providing a state-of-the-art energy system to
buildings served by the newly renovated plant ," said Michael Lacour, vice president for Management Services, Clark
Atlanta University. "Clean energy is a topical issue for our nation, and we are proud to be at the forefront
providing an innovative solution to this issue within our campus community."
Key facility upgrades by ESG include the installation of a
1300-ton chiller that enables the plant to provide chilled water for air conditioning of many buildings for the first time.
In addition, ESG installed two new high efficiency boilers fueled by either natural gas or propane and one high
efficiency boiler powered by electricity.
"ESG has significantly expanded the Central Utility Plant’s
heating and cooling capacity through a cost-effective strategy, all within its existing structural footprint," explained
Ted Photakis, ESG regional director.
The University Financing Foundation (TUFF) facilitated the
renovation by coordinating efforts of the development and financing teams.
"TUFF is so pleased to be a part of the collaboration that brought
about the much needed renovation to the Central Utility Plant that will serve three great centers of learning.
Institutions are only as strong as the infrastructure which supports them and this renovation will allow Clark, Spelman and
Morehouse to focus on academics rather than boilers," said Thomas Hall, President and Chief Operating Officer
of The University Financing Foundation.
"We commend both CAU and Spelman College on their collaboration
utilizing an innovative financing solution to modernize their energy infrastructure, thereby enhancing their
students’ educational environment and comfort, while significantly reducing their energy consumption and carbon
footprint," said Jim Adams, President of Energy Systems Group.
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