Improvement Projects

Georgetown Energy Partners is modernizing the university’s energy and water infrastructure – contributing to more reliable, efficient and sustainable operations. Below are a few feature projects around campus. Check back here often as new initiatives are added.

Healy Lawn Utility Project
JUNE 2024 — SPRING 2027

Healy Lawn Utility Enhancement Project

At the historic center of campus, Georgetown Energy Partners is replacing more than a mile of aging pipes and installing infrastructure for a more sustainable campus heating network.
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Project LED Lighting
March 2022 — Summer 2024

Lighting Upgrade

Almost every existing light on the Hilltop and Capitol campuses – more than 70,000 fixtures – is being upgraded to energy efficient light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which use half the energy of standard fluorescent lights and provide better lighting. This upgrade is estimated to reduce the university’s carbon footprint by over 1,700 tons of CO2 annually.

InfoTechnical Tidbit
Traditional incandescent lights are roughly 90% (waste) heat and 10% light, while LEDs are the reverse, about 10% heat and 90% light. Traditional fluorescent lights require ballasts that often burn out, LEDs don’t.
Building Energy System Optimization
Summer 2022 — Spring 2027

Building Energy System Optimization (BESO) Program

The BESO Program is a campus-wide initiative to upgrade heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment in facilities. The efforts typically permit better control of building temperature (cooling/heating), airflow, and efficient operation of major energy-using equipment. Heat recovery chillers will facilitate a dramatic reduction in natural gas usage attributable to each building.

InfoTechnical Tidbit
Heat recovery chillers help capture energy that would be otherwise wasted to the atmosphere, greatly increasing the coefficient of performance (COP) from 1.0 to COP’s above 5.0, which roughly translates into the efficiency improvement.
Fall 2023

Underground Infrastructure Replacement

As part of our ongoing efforts to modernize our campus energy systems, Georgetown Energy Partners will replace critical underground infrastructure supporting Georgetown’s central heating and cooling plant along West Road this fall.

Campus Steam
Spring 2023 – Fall 2023

Campus Steam System Repairs & Enhancements

Steam is piped around campus at a very high temperature and is slightly corrosive. Over time, the distribution system requires repairs to prevent leaks and deterioration of surrounding infrastructure. To address this, manholes are being repaired, condensate receiver pumps are being replaced, and steam traps are being enhanced.

InfoTechnical Tidbit
Steam traps discharge condensate (ultra hot water), air, and other non-condensable gasses from a steam system while preventing the escape of live steam. This discharge helps optimize the pressure and flow of steam. Of all energy conservation measures, addressing steam traps is an energy manager’s top priority to reduce costs and save energy.
Smart Meters
March 2022 — Summer 2023

Smart-Metering Installation

What gets metered gets measured and what gets measured gets managed. The installation of real-time meters for energy and water consumption in campus buildings will allow Georgetown to better analyze and assess its usage and reduction targets. The meters will also facilitate a publicly available dashboard to track Georgetown’s progress to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, and foster smart use of energy in residence halls and academic buildings.

Project Cooper Field Utility
Summer 2022 – Winter 2022

Cooper Field Utility Enhancements

The steam-line infrastructure under and near Cooper Field was nearing the end of its life. Modernizing the steam lines has reduced leakage and improved energy efficiency. The new field is composed of innovative materials, including pads that make the field safer for the athletes.