Rocky Hill, Conn., January 29, 2014 -- The University of Hartford has signed on as the second college to participate in the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) sponsored Campus Efficiency Now (CEN) program, an initiative designed to advance energy efficiency in Connecticut’s private colleges and universities.
The program has been developed in collaboration with the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges (CCIC) and GreenerU, to help colleges reduce energy costs and become more sustainable by providing financing to quickly deliver energy efficiency at no upfront cost to the colleges.
“The University of Hartford is an enthusiastic participant in this innovative energy efficiency program,” said University President Walter Harrison. “The project furthers the goals of the President’s Commission on Sustainability and accelerates the University’s energy savings and management efforts in order to lower our energy bills, reduce carbon emissions, and address deferred maintenance issues.”
The project is expected to save the University of Hartford over $1.8 million in energy purchases over the life of the installation through improvements in three buildings — Dana Hall, the Biology-Chemistry Building, and the Sports Center — and through upgrades to the University’s outdoor lighting. Project components include automation system improvements in all three buildings, laboratory ventilation optimization in Dana Hall and the Biology-Chemistry Building, new rooftop heating ventilating and air conditioning units, and water-saving showerheads in the Sports Center.
“We congratulate the University of Hartford for its leadership and look forward to working with the other CCIC schools to take advantage of opportunities to save energy and reduce expenses,” said Andy Brydges, CEFIA’s director of institutional programs. “The Campus Efficiency Now program has shown how innovative financing can provide immediate and long-lasting energy benefits with no financial risk to the institution.”
Through this program CEFIA will provide up to $1 million in financing for energy efficiency projects at CCIC member institutions. During the five-year contract term, the colleges will only pay for delivered energy efficiency, at a rate discounted from their current utility rates. Colleges do not pay for equipment or installations, so they bear no risk of a project underperforming, and all of the efficiency gains and sustainability benefits for the school continue after the five year contract ends.
The Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges has been an important partner with CEFIA and GreenerU in launching the program. “We are eager to help our colleges use innovative financing approaches to reduce energy costs,” said Judith Greiman, president of CCIC. “Campus budgets are increasingly challenged, and this is a promising model to address energy and sustainability needs without incurring upfront costs.”
“GreenerU is pleased to be working with the University of Hartford in implementing another Campus Efficiency Now project. The program is consistent with President Harrison’s desire to emphasize the University’s commitment to sustainability, and the project will generate energy cost savings that will assist with the school’s financial and sustainability agenda,” said Rob Pratt, founder and CEO of GreenerU.
About the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority
CEFIA was established by Connecticut’s General Assembly on July 1, 2011 through Public Act 11-80 as a quasi-public agency that supersedes the former Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF). CEFIA’s mission is to help ensure Connecticut’s energy security and community prosperity by realizing its environmental and economic opportunities through clean energy finance and investments. As the nation’s first state "Green Bank", CEFIA leverages public and private funds to drive investment and scale-up clean energy deployment in Connecticut. For more information about CEFIA, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.
About the University of Hartford
The University of Hartford, centrally located in Connecticut, provides a distinctive educational experience across seven schools and colleges for one of the most diverse student bodies in New England. Hartford’s faculty are attracted by the opportunity to challenge and support students as they pursue degrees in more than 100 programs in the arts, humanities, science, business, engineering and technology, education, and health professions. Chartered in 1957, Hartford has more than 5,000 undergraduate and, 1,600 graduate students from 48 states and 63 countries, and 75,000 alumni worldwide. Visit www.hartford.edu for more information.
About CCIC
Founded in 1932, the Connecticut Conference of Colleges (CCIC) represents 16 accredited nonprofit independent colleges and universities in Connecticut including Albertus Magnus College, Connecticut College, Fairfield University, Goodwin College, Mitchell College, Quinnipiac University, Rensselaer at Hartford, Sacred Heart University, Saint Vincent’s College, Trinity College, University of Bridgeport, University of Hartford, University of Saint Joseph, University of New Haven, Wesleyan University and Yale University. As educators, employers and community partners, these institutions make a substantial impact on the state’s economy and social fabric. CCIC serves its member institutions through government relations, public policy development, research analysis, communications and coordinated member services. For more information please visit www.theccic.org.
About GreenerU
GreenerU, Inc. leverages innovative financing to deliver integrated energy and sustainability solutions to campuses throughout New England. GreenerU’s energy engineers and sustainability specialists partner with campuses to implement energy efficiency upgrades and building occupant engagement programs to achieve tangible reductions in energy use, utility costs, and greenhouse gas emissions. Learn more at www.GreenerU.com.