Energy Efficiency Solutions take a Revolutionary Turn with Metrus
Just like businesses, schools and colleges aim to attract as many students as possible. The larger the number of students that want to attend, the more it speaks to the popularity of the school or college. Not to mention, students are necessary to give schools purpose. But with a tight budget that has to cover a lot of ground, it can be challenging for any educational institution to garner attention from parents and students alike. And the challenge only gets tougher when sustainability has to be a primary consideration due to the current climate concerns.
Queens University of Charlotte was facing this dilemma. After opening its doors in 1857, the school has become a cornerstone within the city. It has also adapted to the needs of students as the years passed. However, Queens University was struggling to keep up with basic infrastructures, such as distributing energy to critical parts of the school. Seeing as student comfort on campus is a big deal, along with the need to cut energy costs, this dilemma had to be addressed urgently. Unfortunately, the budget did not allow for any grand changes.
A solution came along in the shape of Metrus, although many will refer to it as a revolution. Through what is referred to as the SESA (Sustainable Energy Services Agreement), Metrus was able to undertake several upgrade projects with Queens University. What make the SESA so special? It means Metrus took responsibility for all the upfront costs and guaranteed 100% the savings for the term of the contract. Metrus is only paid based on the actual performance and realized savings from the newly installed equipment. The savings from the SESA allow for schools to lower their operational budgets which can allow for institutions to hire more staff or fund new programs.
It almost sounds too good to be true. A company that pays to replace outdated energy systems and only expect compensation after lowering CO2 emissions, all without upfront cost, can it be real?
And just when you think Metrus cannot get impressive enough, they offer a variety of upgrades. The SESA can fund any sustainable energy measure that provides energy savings for the customer. In addition to LED lighting and water efficiency measures Queens was also able to increase campus comfort with a new chiller and advanced building management system. The result? Queens University now saves on their annual energy costs while also reducing CO2 emissions by 1,444 tons. Metrus can also fund the installation of solar panels, battery storage systems for resiliency, EV charging stations as well as other efficiency building Assets. Particularly a driving need exists to upgrade HVAC and Ventilation systems in aging schools throughout the US.
What is Metrus’s main aim or focus through projects like Queens University? Since 2009, when the company launched, its mission has been to lead the way to a sustainable, low-carbon future by implementing sustainable energy solutions for facilities with high energy needs as well as CO2 emissions. Metrus makes it possible to upgrade old aging systems without any upfront costs and with less risk than traditional performance contracts.
If there ever was any type of perfect incentive for schools, businesses, and the industry sector as a whole to make changes towards a sustainable future, this is one. For Metrus, it is all about performance and reducing the risks associated with energy efficiency projects. At the same time, they facilitate healthier and more efficient communities, which is especially important when trying to attract students and the leaders of tomorrow. No matter which state in the country these upgrades have to be done, operating nationwide Metrus is there.
According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI), residential and commercial buildings are responsible for 40% of carbon dioxide emissions in the US. To meet nationwide emissions reduction targets, the buildings sector must drastically lower its energy consumption. And with revolutionary new approaches like the one from Metrus, sustainability advances are being made.