THE OPPORTUNITY
Northern Illinois University, located 65 miles northeast of Chicago, needed a partner to modernize the campus and associated facilities without increasing operational costs or capital budgets. The main goal …to focus precious dollars on the mission of educating students in a comfortable and safe environment.

THE RESULTS
In collaboration with the leaders of NIU, Energy Systems Group developed unique campus solutions and a long-term strategy to implement over $14 million in multiple projects providing:

• Financing Package Requiring No Capital from the University
• Guaranteed Energy Savings to Reduce Costs and Stretch Existing Budgets
• Upgraded HVAC, Lighting, and Electrical Systems in 58 Buildings
• 2,400 Tons of New Chillers to Centrally Condition Half of the Campus, Increasing Efficiency and Reducing Costs
• New HVAC System for 10,000 Seat Convocation Center, Increasing Facility Flexibility
• Improved Student & Staff Learning Environments and Comfort

To further NIU’s commitment to education and technology, ESG was able to develop a scholarship program for the School of Engineering which helps students benefit directly from the energy and operational savings generated from this partnership.