UConn South Campus
Decarbonizing student housing at campus scale
The project focuses on four South Campus residence buildings that are expected to remain in service for decades. While the buildings themselves have substantial remaining life, their HVAC systems require modernization to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance occupant comfort. The challenge is to develop scalable retrofit strategies that can be replicated across one of the largest university campuses in the United States.
Why this building
With more than 32000 students, the University of Connecticut is the state's largest public university and has committed to becoming a zero-emissions campus by 2040. The project serves as a pilot for identifying and testing retrofit approaches that can be applied throughout the wider campus and support UConn's Sustainability Action Plan.
Frictions encountered
Large and complex campus environment with hundreds of buildings.
Need to balance energy performance, comfort, and affordability in student housing.
Existing HVAC systems require significant modernization despite relatively young buildings.
Retrofit measures must be implemented with minimal disruption to student life.
Solutions need to be scalable and replicable across the broader campus.
Measures planned/ implemented
HVAC optimization through recommissioning, advanced controls, and hydronic balancing.
Heating system upgrades including steam trap repairs, insulation, and condensate recovery.
Efficient ventilation and refrigeration controls in.
LED lighting retrofits with smart controls and occupancy sensing.
Building envelope improvements.
Solar PV deployment to reduce energy demand and increase renewable generation.
Co-benefits
The project improves comfort and energy performance in student housing while supporting UConn's pathway toward a zero-emissions campus. The resulting retrofit strategies can be replicated across the university, amplifying climate impact well beyond the initial buildings.
