THE OPPORTUNITY
Chartered in 1895, Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a comprehensive teaching and research institution with a student enrollment of more than 25,000.

Energy Systems Group partnered with NIU to develop a number of successful comprehensive energy efficiency and infrastructure improvement projects. By implementing these projects with ESG, the University has avoided over $39 Million in capital expenditures and will realize over $63 Million in energy and operational savings.

THE RESULTS
In addition to the capital avoidance and operational savings, the energy conservation projects had and will continue to have a positive impact on the environment. The various campus-wide improvement projects included the installation of a central chilled water plant, energy-efficient HVAC systems, building controls, new windows and doors, over 80,000 energy-efficient light fixtures throughout 56 buildings, occupancy sensors, and solar panels for pool heating.

• Phase I - Lighting Retrofit and installation of occupancy (motion) sensors
  (18 buildings)
• Phase II - Convocation Center HVAC equipment
• Phase III - Lighting Redesign and Retrofit Program (40 buildings and over 40,000 lighting fixtures)
• Phase IV – West Chiller Plant
• Phase V – Two-Way Control Valve Installation (Four Residence Halls)
• Phase VI – Window / Door Replacement and Mechanical and Control System Retrofits (Five Residence Halls)
• Phase VII – Window Replacement and Swimming Pool, Main Heating Plant Boiler, and Miscellaneous HVAC Upgrades (11 Buildings)
• Phase VIII – Lighting, HVAC, Windows/Doors, Heating Plant, and Control System Upgrades; and Piping Insulation (Campuswide)