UConn Health pilots all-electric HVAC system

UConn Health is jumping at the opportunity to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by taking advantage of an initiative sponsored by the state of Connecticut. Under this program, UConn Health’s Creative Child Center in Farmington, Conn., will move toward a net zero carbon footprint and experience energy cost savings with new technology developed by energy management services company Budderfly, based in Shelton, Conn. 

UConn entered a power purchase agreement with Budderfly and is specifically looking to “reduce the carbon footprint by at least 70%, with a larger goal of achieving a net zero footprint for this building upon completion of the pilot project,” says Eric Kruger, MBA, vice president of facilities development and operations, UConn Health.

The facility will be equipped with an ultra-high performance, all-electric heating, ventilating and air conditioning solution to reduce energy costs by separating airflow management from the heating and cooling system. 

This technology will replace the existing cooling and natural gas heating system, which is inefficient and oversized for the building, according to Kruger. 

Improved insulation around the base and the roof of the building will also be installed to keep the heat in during the winter and out during the summer. In addition, the facility’s fluorescent lighting will be converted to more efficient LED lighting fixtures. All these energy-reduction initiatives will significantly lower the carbon footprint of the Creative Child Center at no upfront cost to UConn Health, officials say.

Along with its full suite of energy management services and software, Budderfly will also deploy its billing platform at UConn Health to create transparent invoices and validate energy reduction and cost savings. The pilot showcases the commercial viability and energy-conserving capabilities of Budderfly’s energy solutions for large institutions, such as UConn Health.

Funded by Connecticut Innovations through the Governor’s Innovations Lab, the pilot is the latest initiative by the state as it aims to achieve a zero-carbon electric supply by 2040. Connecticut Innovations, the state’s strategic venture capital arm, will cover initial costs for equipment and installation.

“This UConn Health pilot program is the latest example of our continued commitment to reach zero emissions,“ says Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. “The successful execution of this pilot will lead the way to the creation of new sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy jobs across the state while deepening our commitment to addressing the climate crisis. One of the best parts about this pilot is that we’re able to launch it using technology developed by a company headquartered here.”