Walla Walla University will receive a big energy-efficiency boost this spring, thanks to a $2 million Clean Buildings Performance Grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce.
The grant will fund lighting, building envelope, and steam trap upgrades across the university’s College Place campus, improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions for years to come.
Work teams will replace lights and fixtures in campus buildings; repair and replace steam traps in the radiators of our residence halls; and seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors, according to Shawna Larsen, director of facility services.
To complete this work, the university partnered with Honeywell Energy Solutions Group, a global company that focuses on energy innovation and sustainable energy solutions, facilitating more than 3,400 projects around the world resulting in $9.2 billion in energy and operational cost savings. These energy savings will help contribute to a reduction of 628 metric tons of carbon-dioxide equivalent emissions, which is equivalent to 146 gas-powered cars taken off the road for one year, energy use of 84 homes for one year, and 10,384 trees grown for 10 years.
Honeywell conducted a detailed energy audit for the College Place campus, recommended energy efficiency measures, and will help facilitate the upgrades, Larsen says. “Most of the work must be completed by June 30, so we’ll be busy this spring quarter.”
Among the first
The grant helps the university comply with Washington state’s Clean Buildings Performance Standards, the first statewide building performance standard in the nation. Signed into law in 2019, the Clean Buildings bill aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency in buildings, which are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Washington, according to the Washington State Department of Commerce.
WWU’s grant is among 70 awards totaling $55.5 million. More than half of the grants were awarded to private building owners, and of those, three were private colleges or universities, including WWU.
“We are proud to be among the first organizations taking these steps toward improving our community’s overall energy wellness,” said Alex Bryan, WWU president. “Thanks to the dedicated work of our team and partners at Honeywell, we’re excited to meet these energy standards and celebrate the positive impact on both our campus and the environment.”
Big benefits for WWU
While WWU is pleased to be part of the statewide energy-efficiency initiative, this work will provide immediate benefits to the university and those who spend time on our College Place campus.
Larsen expects that the new energy-efficient LED lighting will improve lamp life and enhance safety. The building improvements will make work safer for maintenance staff, and result in more comfortable indoor spaces for students, faculty and staff.
Better energy efficiency is also good stewardship of the university’s financial resources, adds Prakash Ramoutar, vice president for financial administration.
“This work is expected to save Walla Walla University around $3 million over the next 15 years. In the first year alone, the university expects close to $200,000 in energy and operational savings,” he says. “Savings like this will help us direct even more resources toward academic excellence, and our distinct and vital calling to build faith.”
Posted April 2, 2025.
