Courtesy / University of Maine at Farmington
Improvements include the renovation of Mallett and Purington residence halls.
Updated: August 15, 2023
$16M in UMF renovations aim to make campus more attractive to students while saving money
Courtesy / University of Maine at Farmington
Upgrades are expected to help the university achieve a 97% free-from-fossil-fuel target and save $400,000 every year beginning in 2024.
The University of Maine at Farmington is in the midst of campus renovations expected to cost $16.4 million, and says they could result in greater sustainability, better housing for students and hundreds of thousands of dollars in yearly cost savings.
“These campus upgrades are an important investment in Farmington’s future,” said UMF President Joseph McDonnell. “They will help the university be more cost-effective and attractive to today’s students while also continuing in our commitment to being a good steward for our environment.”
UMF contracted with Trane Technologies — an HVAC company headquartered in Davidson, N.C., with a sales office in Westbrook — to increase the energy efficiency of campus facilities.
The 18-month, $11 million project is being financed and paid back with energy savings and rebates generated by the upgrades.
97% fossil-free
The changes are expected to help the university achieve a 97% free-from-fossil-fuel target and are estimated to save $400,000 every year beginning in 2024.
Plans call for installing high-efficiency heat pumps, lighting, heating control systems and plumbing. Rooftop heating, ventilation and air conditioning units will be upgraded. Building envelopes — the physical materials that separate the internal and external building environments — are also being changed to improve their efficiency.
A second biomass boiler will be added to the biomass plant to heat hot water during the late spring, summer and early fall. The boiler will supplement Farmington’s current biomass boiler that provides heat to buildings throughout the campus.
The biomass plant, which began operation in 2016, replaced 95% of the heating oil the university previously needed and reduced carbon emissions by at least 3,000 tons a year. Both units will continue to use locally sourced Maine wood chips in support of the local economy.
Residence upgrades
Additional improvements will include the renovation of two residence halls, Mallett and Purington, to bring them into compliance with the federal American with Disabilities Act and better meet student needs.
Renovations will be made to the buildings' electric service, plumbing and bathrooms. Multi-user restrooms will be transformed to state-of-the-art single-user facilities. CHA Consulting Inc., a Portland company, is providing the design and construction.
Funding for the year-long, $5.4 million residence hall project was obtained through the public infrastructure investment secured by the University of Maine System.
Other improvements will include the addition of a nursing simulation lab to support the collaborative Farmington and Augusta nursing program, updated exterior siding and lighting for the UMF fitness and recreation center and ongoing ADA improvements.
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments