The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has given The University of New Mexico an Energy Star Combined Heat and Power (CHP) award for reducing energy use on campus by 20 percent. “Combined Heat and Power,” also referred to as cogeneration, is an efficient, clean, and reliable approach to generating power and thermal energy from a single fuel source.
By installing a cogeneration system, an energy facility can increase operational efficiency and decrease energy costs, while reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
UNM was rewarded for its natural gas-fired CHP system at the Ford Utility Center. This system is part of UNM’s major energy infrastructure project and supplies approximately one-third of the energy demand for the campus and produces steam to help meet the heating, cooling and hot water needs of UNM students, staff and faculty.
“Whether at home or at work, being energy-efficient is a smart environmental and economic strategy,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. “EPA is pleased to recognize committed organizations like the University of New Mexico that are making CHP and other green technologies a fundamental part of how they do business.”
Since 1999, EPA has given the Energy Star CHP Award to recognize organizations and institutions that install exceptionally efficient CHP systems.
EPA's CHP Partnership seeks to reduce the environmental impact of power generation. EPA works closely with energy users, the CHP industry, state and local governments, and other stakeholders to support the development of new projects that have significant energy, environmental, and economic benefits.
Media Contact: Benson Hendrix, (505) 277-1816; e-mail: bhendrix@unm.edu