Reed College in Portland, Oregon, announced it will conduct a mechanical, electrical and seismic upgrade of the college’s boiler plant.

The $11 million design-build contract was signed with Ameresco, an energy solutions provider.

Reed College plans to fully decarbonize the campus. This project complements an existing $2.3 million contract for the design and procurement of infrastructure for the upgrade. 

In addition, Ameresco is currently implementing a $1.8 million lighting upgrade project across the campus. These combined efforts bring the total value of work in progress with Reed College to over $15 million.

The comprehensive upgrades seek to improve energy efficiency and reduce the college’s environmental impact.

Reed College’s collaboration with Ameresco dates back to a $5.4 million campus-wide efficiency project completed a decade ago. This project included various mechanical, controls, lighting, and plumbing system retrofits and replacements throughout the campus. In addition to reducing emissions, the initial project saved over $250,000 in annual energy costs.

“The central plant upgrade will not only deliver additional cost savings but also enhance energy efficiency and infrastructure, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to sustainable campus energy management,” said Steve Yeadon, Executive Director of Facilities Operations at Reed College, in a statement. “These improvements reflect our dedication to creating a more sustainable and efficient campus environment and reduce our impact on greenhouse gases.”