Western Washington University
IN-48: Innovation B

Western Washington University's Heating Conversion Project will be supported by the state, at $10M (funded with the Washington State Climate Commitment Act).

Western Washington University (Western) currently relies on an aging, natural gas fired central steam plant and distribution system to provide heating and hot water to the main campus. The system accounts for nearly 97% of Western’s annual greenhouse gas emission (GHG) and about 57% of Western’s FY23 utility budget. While the plant is well maintained and operates as efficiently as possible, its economic and operational efficiency are ultimately limited by a mid-twentieth century design. In addition, qualified operators must be on site twenty-four hours a day, and as the industry slowly transitions away from steam heating it is becoming increasingly difficult to find and retain these personnel.
From an engineering standpoint, the transition from steam to hot water distribution and natural gas combustion to electric heat pumps will increase energy efficiency by over 300%. When added to the existing purchase agreement for fully renewable clean electric power, the change will nearly eliminate fossil fuel burning for campus heating and hot water production and dramatically reduce annual CO2 emissions. Western’s strong commitment to being a regional leader in mitigating climate change includes exceeding state requirements and reaching carbon neutrality by 2035, as outlined in the Sustainability Action Plan, and being a signatory on the Presidents’ Climate Commitment. This alternative approach to heating infrastructure will align with those commitments.
Within this context, Western commissioned a consultant team to analyze the economic and engineering requirements of such a conversion. Feasible low carbon options for new central plant configurations were developed and their relative advantages identified. Energy and carbon savings and other operational costs were estimated and balanced against the initial costs of construction using a total cost of ownership (life cycle cost) model. The financial analysis also considered the increasing need for major renewal and replacement of the steam system over the coming years, as well as the eventual renewal and modernization of heating and cooling systems in all buildings. Based on the financial and technical analyses completed, a Preferred Alternative was identified.