SIU Carbondale to investigate heating, cooling projects aimed at improving sustainability

May 21, 2023

Shutterstock

December 01, 2022

CARBONDALE, Ill. – Southern Illinois University Carbondale officials will investigate the feasibility of three projects that could improve sustainability and better heat and cool campus buildings, following today's (Dec. 1) vote by the SIU Board of Trustees.

The proposed projects are:

Preliminary estimates for all three projects range from $105 million to $120 million. Specific plans for implementation and financing, including possible state and federal grants; project and budget approval, and the awarding of contracts will require further board action. The projects are also subject to approval from the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

"Researching these projects is part of our commitment to sustainability, one of five pillars of our strategic plan, Imagine 2030," said Chancellor Austin A. Lane. "We are aiming to significantly reduce our use of coal and our carbon emissions and to do our part to preserve the environment."

Susan Simmers, vice chancellor for administration and finance, said the projects, if implemented, could also help the campus realize significant savings in energy costs and provide more reliable and more efficient heating and cooling.

"Studying these projects is a responsible measure, environmentally and fiscally," she said.

In related matters, the board approved: