VALPARAISO | Valparaiso University's revamp of its energy distribution systems is being honored this week with the 2009 Effective & Innovative Practices Award.

The APPA, a leading organization of educational facility managers, will recognize VU for replacing its centralized heating distribution with high-efficiency boilers in 15 buildings and replacing its natural gas and medium voltage distribution systems on campus in 2006. The recognition will take place during the APPA's annual conference in Vancouver, Canada.

The award acknowledges programs and processes adaptable to other schools that enhance service delivery, lower costs, increase productivity, improve customer service or generate revenue.

As part of VU's system overhaul, NIPSCO replaced and assumed maintenance of the natural gas and medium voltage distribution systems. In return, VU entered into NIPSCO's rate structure and allowed the utility to replace a 45-year-old substation on campus with one that serves surrounding customers.

The decentralized campus heating system has eliminated recurring breakdowns that could cost from $80,000 to $240,000 per failure and cause widespread disruption during the winter, as well as the budget uncertainty associated with them, said Fred Plant, VU executive director for facilities management.

Campus energy consumption fell about 12 percent in the year after the overhaul, Plant said.

VU has experienced lower maintenance expenses and better monitoring of energy use in each building, which allows for more precise conservation efforts.

Depending on the price of natural gas and the severity of the winters, the project has the potential to recoup its costs in another five years, Plant said.

The model of energy efficiency is applicable to other businesses and institutions, said Gary Greiner, VU director of facilities services.