Veregy announced today that it has been competitively selected to implement a $36.38 million infrastructure modernization and energy efficiency project across approximately 850,000 square feet of facilities within the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Delivered through the university’s Facilities & Services Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) program, the capital improvement initiative is self-funded through energy efficiencies, expected to generate more than $38.5 million in guaranteed energy savings over the contract term.
The project scope encompasses extensive research and academic building upgrades across seven major campus properties: the Plant Sciences Laboratory, Turner Hall, Turner Hall Greenhouses, Madigan Laboratory, Animal Sciences Laboratory, ACES Library, Information and Alumni Center, and the National Soybean Research Center.
“Modernizing specialized research and agricultural environments requires precision engineering that balances rigorous energy performance with the demanding conditions required for academic discovery. Veregy is proud to deploy our technical expertise across these vital facilities, implementing tailored infrastructure solutions that not only eliminate deferred maintenance but also provide long-term energy resilience and guaranteed financial returns.”
– Wes Walker, Veregy’s Chief Executive OfficerÂ
Key Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) and project highlights include:
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- Greenhouse Modernization: Replacement of more than 134,800 square feet of specialized greenhouse glazing across Turner Hall Greenhouses and the Plant Sciences Laboratory, significantly improving thermal performance and environmental control.
- Lighting Infrastructure: Upgrading approximately 25,000 legacy fluorescent fixtures to high-efficiency LED technology.
- Mechanical & Automation Systems: Building Automation System (BAS) enhancements, ventilation air rebalancing, energy leak mitigation, energy recovery heating, and unit heater steam control valve installations.
- Building Envelope & Steam Systems: Extensive facility weatherization, ductwork sealing, steam trap replacements, and steam piping insulation to curtail thermal loss across aging infrastructure.
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The energy saved after the project is complete will reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by an amount equivalent to preserving 5,746 acres of forest. The project also works to supports regional economic activity, with implementation estimated to support 456 construction jobs. It will also incorporate 19 Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI) certified businesses, reinforcing commitments to local and diverse trade participation. In addition to driving economic impact, this project is also geared toward driving environmental impact.
Preliminary engineering and phased construction activities are scheduled to proceed across the university-designated facilities, with individual building timelines optimized to maintain uninterrupted academic and research operations. Substantial project completion is expected by Fall 2028.
