Project Funding: PSI-SIF ($2.5 million) and Provincial Funds ($3.45 million)
Project Background
With all mechanical equipment in Mount Royal University’s (MRU) main campus building functioning since it was originally installed in the 1970s, the intent was to bring this aging infrastructure into the modern, efficient, ‘smart’ building technology of today.
Various mechanical system components in the main building were evaluated, and those deemed high risk were replaced or recommissioned to maximize efficiency and end user comfort. This scope included eight roof-top unit (RTU) replacements, two fan wall installations and replacement of 30 pneumatic heating/cooling pumps. To further MRU’s ‘smart’ building vision, a completely redesigned building management system (BMS) dashboard program has been installed, providing building operators with real-time control and updates on all building systems. MRU also installed a 144kW solar photovoltaic system to promote green energy and acts as a key stepping stone to MRU’s journey to a NetZero campus.
Project success
The benefits of this project to Mount Royal University include reduction of utility consumption and carbon footprint through modernization/upgrade of existing mechanical systems which would lead to improved functionality, operational reliability and energy efficiency.
The PSI-SIF project resulted in an overall annual energy savings estimated as follows:
- Estimated annual energy savings = 4,294,889KWhr/year
- Annual Cost Savings (based on $0.047/KWhr) = $209,204.86
- Green House Gas (GHG) Reduction = 2,813 tCO2e/year