Valparaiso University’s new 55,000 square-foot science building has been honored by NIPSCO (Northern Indiana Public Service Company) for its energy efficient initiatives, and awarded a $150,000 energy rebate.
The Center for the Sciences: Chemistry and Biochemistry, because of the nature of the labs and caustic chemical usage, was in need of a high-performing air ventilation system. The facility was constructed with LED lighting, an energy effacing HVAC system, energy recovery in its air handling units and variable volume air handlers that respond to demand within the building.
In total, the $30 million construction project saved 954,533 kilowatt hours and 80,681 therm, according to valpolife.com. Just one therm is the equivalent energy output of burning roughly 100 cubic feet of natural gas.
In July 2016, NIPSCO made headlines when it increased energy rates by 6%.