PALATINE, IL – Harper College will save at least $155,000 a year in electricity costs by installing new, high efficiency chillers that will provide air conditioning to six campus buildings. The project was approved by the Harper Board of Trustees at their regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday night.
The new chillers will replace old air conditioning equipment, some of which use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are considered harmful to the environment. In addition to being more environmentally friendly, the chillers will reduce energy usage by approximately 60% compared to the old equipment.
“The old chillers were approaching the end of their useful life, so this is a good time to replace them and get considerable cost savings,” said Jim Ma, Director of Physical Plant. “Because of the poor economy, the bids for the chillers and construction came in well below estimates. It’s definitely a buyer’s market right now.”
“Given the difficult economy and the ongoing problems with state funding, it is essential that we find ways to reduce costs while not affecting the programs and services we provide,” said Harper College President Dr. Kenneth Ender. “With more efficient equipment, we should be able to reap the benefits of lower costs to cool these buildings for many years to come.”
Harper will spend about $3.2 million to install new chillers that will serve buildings F,L,P,R,A and W. The cost includes related infrastructure improvements, including new cooling towers, pumps, controls, piping, masonry and concrete work.
Money for the project will be drawn from the $153.6 capital referendum that was passed last year. The new funds will be spent primarily on the repair and renovation of facilities.
“By investing in critical infrastructure improvements now, Harper will be better equipped to address the needs of our rapidly growing enrollment,” said Harper Board Chair Laurie Stone. “This is especially important as we look to add new programs to help workers train for new jobs and careers.”