Fresno State’s massive construction project that aimed to upgrade its heating and cooling system was set to be completed in July 2024. It is still not finished.
For the past two years, Fresno State has partnered with the Bulldog Infrastructure Group in an effort to make its campus’ air conditioning and heaters more energy efficient.
The Central Utility Plant Replacement Project (CUPR) was set to be the first major effort in the 33-year-long partnership to reduce the school’s carbon footprint and increase energy efficiency. It aimed to save over 30% in energy for the span of the partnership.
The project is now expected to be near completion by the end of September.
“We expect to reach substantial completion by the end of September,” said Debbie Adishian-Astone, vice president for administration and chief financial officer, through an email from Lisa Bell, public information officer at Fresno State.
Adishian-Astone attributed the delays to supply issues during the COVID-19 pandemic and the complexities in the campus’ Central Plant network.
“Campus hardscape and landscape areas should not be negatively impacted unless there is an underground pipe repair,” Adishian-Astone said when asked if the campus should expect any more blockage due to construction.
With the CUPR nearly complete, new guidelines will be put in place.
“Per CSU policy, purchased energy resources on CSU facilities will not be used to heat above 68 degrees Fahrenheit or cool below 78 degrees Fahrenheit,” Adishian-Astone said.
This policy will make the Fresno State campus adhere to the guidelines set in Executive Order 0987. This is a CSU-wide policy that called for many energy related goals. This includes more renewable energy, better energy conservation and sustainable building practices.
“78 degrees is the setpoint temperature recommended by Pacific Gas & Electric in summer months,” Adishian-Astone said.
During the winter, the setpoint will be 68 degrees. Heaters won’t be allowed to go any higher unless required by law. The same goes for cooling below 78 degrees during the hotter months.
These temperature set points will be the norm in every classroom aside from the ones required by law and or have equipment that needs to be at specific temperatures.
“If room temperatures become too hot or too cold, department administrative assistants or faculty need to call Facilities Management to report an issue,” Adishian-Astone said.
The two-year-long project saw many issues and delays, but now that it is near completion, the effects will soon be felt. Fresno State is moving on to another big project.
Following the CUPR’s completion, Fresno State will undergo the construction of new student housing.
These new living quarters will provide 228 new beds and will have units that have between 1-4 bedrooms. It is located on Shaw and Cedar, right next to the current dorms and will have housing for students with children.
