Phase I: Spring and Summer 2024 - Infrastructure Modernization

Replacement of two chillers at the chiller plant - COMPLETED

Expected disruption: The project caused minimal disruption.
Anticipated efficiencies: The chillers distribute chilled water throughout the campus to cool and dehumidify buildings. The new chillers are equipped with modern technology to produce chilled water more efficiently.

Expected disruption: This affected Lamkin Activity Center, including the Student Recreation Center and the Robert and Virginia Foster Fitness Center, Martindale Hall, the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building and the Fire Arts Building. Additionally, exterior tunnel construction occurred near the International Flag Plaza.
Anticipated efficiencies: This upgrade reduced disruptions and improved the reliability of hot water production throughout the Northwest campus. Smaller hot water plants supply heat to up to four buildings, compared to one plant that previously provided steam throughout the campus. This upgrade also reduces the number of buildings impacted during emergency disruptions and gives Northwest the ability to reduce or turn off hot water systems during cooling seasons.

Expected disruption: Most campus buildings lost electrical power for at least one day.
Anticipated efficiencies: Northwest installed building-level electrical metering and other upgrades to reduce disruptions and improve the reliability of electrical distribution throughout the campus. The upgrades improve Facility Services’ ability to locate, troubleshoot, improve and monitor inefficiencies inside buildings.

Expected disruption: All buildings could lose water for at least one day. The disruptions are planned for the summer months, through summer 2026, to limit student impacts.
Anticipated efficiencies: Northwest replaced aged water infrastructure and installed building-level domestic water metering to improve reliability and reduce disruptions throughout campus. The building-level domestic water metering improve Facility Services’ ability to locate, troubleshoot, improve and monitor inefficiencies inside buildings.