2000-2003
Campus Lighting Project
The University embarked on a project to replace all existing fluorescent T-12 lamps on main and north campus for more efficient fluorescent T-8 lamps. This achieved 38% energy savings
Upgraded energy distribution lines
The equipment had aged beyond its useful life, and as a result, was unreliable and inefficient. Today, the University now has a modern and reliable system of energy distribution lines. This project was fully funded through the cost savings realized by making the upgrade.
New chilled water plant
The University constructed the Lomas chilled water plant, which is across from the Anderson School of Management. The new chilled water plant was built for a greater capacity than needed at the time in order to meet future growth and demand on campus.
2004-2007
Smart Metering Project
By 2007, UNM fully implemented a smart metering system into the utility infrastructure. The system provided instantaneous energy consumption data, management reporting, and campus energy system control.
Added First Cogeneration Unit
UNM became fully capable of generating electricity from natural gas after purchasing its first cogeneration unit. When generating electricity, the cogeneration unit catches the wasted heat from the equipment and makes steam to heat the campus during the winter.
High efficiency Boiler Upgrade
Higher efficient boilers were implemented in an effort to reduce the water discharge from the boilers due to impurity. This project also saved energy and chemicals used to heat and treat the boiler water. This project continues to save about 65,000 therms of natural gas and 2,000,000 gallons of water annually.
2008-Present
Retro commissioning of buildings
UNM began a facilities program that optimized performance and energy conservation in existing buildings. The scope of this program included control system upgrades, excessive outside airflow reductions, reheat energy reductions, and control logic upgrades that removed duplication and allowed for simultaneous heating and cooling.
Added Second Cogeneration Unit
The second cogeneration unit allowed UNM to make 14 megawatts of electricity, and 219,000 pounds. This additional production allows UNMH to continue operations during emergency blackout situations.
Energy Service Company (ESCO) Project
In April 2021, The University of New Mexico (UNM) and Lobo Energy, Inc. (LEI) partnered with Energy Systems Group (formerly Yearout Energy) to conduct an Investment Grade Audit (IGA) of the UNM South Campus in Albuquerque. The audit followed the guidelines established by the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department (NMEMNRD) and the New Mexico General Services Department (NM-GSD).
Through the collaboration, ESG worked closely with UNM and LEI to identify and co-develop Facility Improvement Measures (FIMs) that could be implemented under the Guaranteed Energy Savings Performance Contract (GESPC). One of the key benefits of a GESPC is the ability to fund critical infrastructure upgrades and high-priority projects using the utility and operational cost savings generated by early-phase improvements delivering meaningful results without requiring upfront capital.
| Year One Guaranteed Utilities Savings | $286,141 |
| Year One Operations & Maintenance Savings | $20,732 |
| Incentives, Rebates & Grants | $320,057 |
| Carbon Dioxide: Reduction in Annual Emissions | 2,213,534 lbs. |
| Reduction in Annual Utility Costs | 11.6% |
