Engineering and Campus Energy
We maintain the campus microgrid including the solar collector field in West Windsor which provides about 5% of Princeton's energy needs.
Engineering and Campus Energy builds and maintains the infrastructure on, and below, the Princeton University campus. We are responsible for the operations and maintenance of the central energy plant, the design and management of building system upgrades, and energy management. Using best practices in the design and execution of engineering projects, we support Princeton University's Sustainability plan by reducing energy use and environmental impacts. Our staff includes plant operators, mechanical and electrical engineers, as well as building control system operators and designers. No matter what, we aim to keep the lights on and the steam flowing.
Princeton’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction strategy is beginning to focus on transforming the University’s energy usage through Geo-exchange technology that transfers heat between the steady temperature of the earth and a building to maintain the building space conditions. This technology is one of the most promising developments in district energy. It is several times more efficient than an already-efficient cogeneration plant. By using geo-exchange instead of traditional fossil fuel combustion, Princeton hopes to achieve net-zero operation for heating and cooling the Campus in time to celebrate its tricentennial in 2046.
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In The News
A set of stairs on campus dead ends into a nondescript white door. Beyond the door, situated in one of the building’s towers, is a new research lab that is home to a colony of vampire bats.
Under the green is unseen infrastructure critical to Princeton’s sustainability goals.
Following a national search, John Hannum has been selected as the new Executive Director for Engineering and Campus Energy in Facilities Operations, effective September 3, 2024. John will be promoted from his current role as Program Manager for Commissioning and Turnover in the Office of Capital Projects.
Congratulates to Tom Nyquist, recepient of the 2024 Norm Taylor Person of the Year Award!
The Transit Center at Stadium Garage has been transformed into an exhibition showcasing the geo-exchange system.
Did You Know
Facilities plays a major role in Princeton University’s Sustainability Plan, which calls for the University to reduce its CO2 emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.