Higher Education

Modernizing Infrastructure for More Efficient Learning Environments

Our projects turn energy savings into campus improvements, delivering reliable performance and stronger learning environments without capital strain.

Reduce energy costs by 25–45% while upgrading aging infrastructure.

Campuses have unique energy demands, diverse buildings, and various departments with distinct requirements. We work closely with campus stakeholders to create holistic solutions that address these complexities and deliver significant energy savings and create a stronger, more functional learning and research environment.

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Modern Infrastructure for Financially Stronger Campuses

Higher education institutions spend $6–7B annually on energy in the U.S. (EPA/DOE), making it the second-largest line item in campus budgets. On top of that, the deferred maintenance backlog for the industry is estimated at $112 billion nationwide (APPA). Our performance-based approach uses guaranteed energy savings to replace failing infrastructure with modern, efficient systems that turn energy savings into campus improvements, delivering reliable performance and better learning environments without capital strain.

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Improve Student Experience & Institutional Reputation

Smarter classrooms, safer labs, and comfortable residence halls foster better learning environments and faculty research outcomes. Modern infrastructure strengthens recruitment and boosts retention, while demonstrating institutional leadership to students, staff, and donors.

Designed for Higher Ed Success

By addressing deferred maintenance with guaranteed savings, higher ed institutions transform infrastructure into an engine for financial, academic, and reputational goals.

Lower Utility Spend

Deep retrofits and infrastructure upgrades can cut utility bills by 25-45%.

Deferred Maintenance Relief

Address aging systems without new capital.

Boost Student Success

Comfortable, modern spaces improve learning outcomes.

Institutional Reputation

Demonstrate innovation leadership with modern facilities.

Attract Talent & Funding

Updated labs and reliable systems attract top faculty, researchers, and donors.

Sustainability Leadership

Visible carbon reduction supports rankings and student recruitment.

Infrastructure Strategies for Higher Education

Proven strategies to cut costs, improve resilience, and deliver long-term campus value.

Performance Contracting
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Performance Contracting

With an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC), your upgrades pay for themselves. On average, ESPC projects deliver 20–40% verified energy savings while upgrading mission-critical systems, making large-scale improvements at multi-facility campuses achievable— with no upfront cost.

Electrification & Carbon Reduction
Resiliency
Financial Structuring

Proven Savings for Higher Education Campuses

At California Institute of Technology’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL), CEG delivered a multi-phase energy upgrade that showcases how savings can modernize even the most complex facilities without disrupting mission-critical operations

CalTech Research Laboratory

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Annual Energy Savings
48% MMBTU Reduction
Infrastructure Upgrades
  • Chiller & boiler replacement
  • VFDs
  • Daylighting & Controls
  • Water & Irrigation Upgrades
  • Solar PV
Verified Annual Savings
$4.6 MM
/year

Named a “National Energy Project of the Year” by the Association of Energy Engineers

Our Approach

Intentional Process. Guaranteed Results. No Upfront-Cost.

In-depth Analysis of Energy Consumption Patterns

In-depth Analysis of Energy Consumption Patterns

Each campus building, system, and department has unique energy use. Our engineers conduct detailed analyses of lighting, HVAC, electrical equipment, and other systems to uncover efficiency gaps. This data-driven approach highlights the most impactful opportunities for savings.

Benchmarking against peer campuses provides visibility into performance gaps.

Collaboration with Site Stakeholders

Collaboration with Site Stakeholders

We align with financial leaders to ensure solutions deliver measurable ROI. Their input ensures that proposed solutions align with the university’s vision and long-term goals.

Tailored Plans for Savings & Sustainability

Tailored Plans for Savings & Sustainability

No two campuses are alike. We develop customized plans that combine efficient technologies, retrofits, and infrastructure upgrades to deliver deep energy savings, lower operating costs, and advance sustainability commitments.

Minimizing Disruption While Enhancing Campus Life

Minimizing Disruption While Enhancing Campus Life

Projects are carefully scheduled around academic breaks and low-activity periods to avoid interfering with learning and research. At the same time, upgrades to lighting, HVAC, and infrastructure improve safety, comfort, and accessibility across campus.

Ensuring Compliance & Securing Incentives

Ensuring Compliance & Securing Incentives

All projects meet the latest energy codes and regulatory standards. We stay current on evolving guidelines and available incentives to ensure compliance while securing the greatest possible value for each institution.

From Universities to Mission-Critical Laboratories

Solving energy challenges for multi-facility campuses.

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Schedule a Free Campus Assessment

Talk to one of our expert engineers or project managers to discover how our strategies can work for you and your facilities.

Or call us: 703-294-5600

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