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The operating requirements of universities differ from other institutional and commercial buildings. They feature many different building types, from classrooms and dormitories to laboratories, cafeterias, student centers, athletic facilities, and administrative buildings. From heating, cooling, and ventilation to providing water heating, lighting, and computing power, universities have very high operating costs and potentially high emissions. It’s critical that these operations are as energy and cost efficient as possible and that they have reliable and resilient power.
Propane Applications in Universities
From water heating and space heating to cooking, laundry, and backup power, propane has a wide variety of applications for colleges and universities nationwide.
Water heating
Propane tankless water heaters can heat water for campus-wide restrooms, whether in dormitories, athletic facilities, administrative offices, or educational buildings. In laundry facilities and cafeterias, hot water is quickly served up for washing clothes and dishes, and on-demand hot water is imperative for sensitive laboratory environments.
Propane tankless water heaters take up significantly less space than traditional tank heaters due to their compact design and allow for flexible installations, such as rack installations that offer redundancy and higher flow rates. The onsite propane storage system can be scaled up or down depending on the size of the campus and its hot water needs. Energy efficient units use up to 40% less energy than electric tank units, saving energy and utility costs. They also reduce labor and maintenance costs, as well as flooding risks, as no water is stored in the unit – all important considerations for budget-conscious university operations.
Space heating
Space heating is the most energy-intensive application in the majority of commercial structures, and university buildings are no different. During winter months, dormitories, classrooms, and administrative buildings must be heated efficiently and comfortably. In existing buildings, boilers can be converted from oil to propane, with universities realizing almost instant cost savings and efficiency gains. Commercial propane furnaces provide heated air at a significantly warmer temperature than some electric options to provide steady and reliable comfort. Commercial boilers can also serve both space heating and hot water applications with capacities up to 8,660,000 British thermal units (Btu/hr].
Commercial cooking in cafeterias
In large university cafeterias serving thousands of students and staff a day, the cooks will appreciate the convenience, functionality, and performance of propane-powered Energy Star certified cooking equipment, including ranges, deep fryers, griddles, steam cookers, and convection ovens. Compared to electric equipment, propane offers greater control of heating levels, instant-on burners, greater capacity levels, even heat distribution, and design flexibility. The equipment life cycle is typically 8 to 10 years in commercial kitchens, and high-efficiency equipment can significantly cut CO2 emissions compared to electric alternatives.
Clothes drying in laundry facilities
Laundry facilities at universities handle a large load, from athletic gear and staff uniforms to bedding, towels, and more. Energy efficiency, speed, and cost are key considerations, given the capacity and frequency of equipment use. Propane commercial clothes dryers have faster drying times and greater throughput than electric units. Perforated drums allow for more balanced airflow, and the recirculating air design helps reduce gas usage while promoting faster drying times. Pilotless ignition and moisture sensors further reduce energy use while air temperature monitors and multiple heat settings optimize drying temperatures. Capacities are available from 18,000 Btu/h to more than 550,000 Btu/h, depending on the university’s needs.
Backup power
While the uninterrupted operation of all university facilities is important, there are some highly sensitive areas where a loss of power could be detrimental. Whether due to brownouts, blackouts, or severe weather, power outages that affect laboratories could compromise important university research. It’s vital to incorporate propane-powered generators to provide emergency backup power for buildings with laboratories and critical equipment.
Grounds Maintenance
Grounds maintenance at universities is no small feat, with athletic fields, parks, quads, and other campus greenspaces requiring constant tending. At the 90-acre Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC, the largely-student based grounds crew has used propane-dedicated commercial mowers and lawn tractors for landscape maintenance. According to the Propane Education and Research Council, “Propane-fueled mowers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 17 percent and sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions by up to 16 percent compared to gasoline-fueled mowers.”[1] PERC also notes: “Propane equipment has a secure, closed-loop fuel system. This saves money by virtually eliminating costly, harmful spills, and dramatically reducing fuel theft.”[2]
The school is deeply rooted in sustainability and land stewardship, so they worked with a local propane retailer to convert their commercial mowers to operate using propane, with another five propane-dedicated commercial mowers donated by the retailer. They also installed an onsite propane refueling station and converted the school’s Suzuki mini-trucks to operate on propane. In 2020, the college disbanded their student-run building and grounds crew because students were off-campus due to COVID. They outsourced the work to a third party, selling most of their propane mowers to that company. Paul Bobbit, Dean of Work Programs for Warren Wilson College, says they have now reinstated the student landscaping crew and would like to purchase propane mowers again: “There is still one propane-powered ride along zero turn mower in the landscaping fleet and another that is used at the farm. We also use propane on the farm for flame weeding the garden and temporary heat for livestock. But we would love to return to an all-propane fleet.”
The school also converted some of their motor pool fleet to propane, including 7-passenger mini-vans and 14-passenger Ford Transit vans that faculty can use for field trips and other purposes. Bobbit notes, “The former auto shop supervisors worked with Alliance Auto Gas to co-write a grant that provided 50% of the funding for those conversions. They also donated the fueling station and equipment, which was extremely generous.”
In 2019, Warren Wilson College was recognized by North Carolina Mobile Clean Air Renewable Energy (CARE) with the Smart Fleet Champion award, the highest level in the North Carolina Smart Fleet awards program. They recognized the College for its fleet commitment and accomplishments in reducing petroleum use, thus reducing CO2 emissions and other harmful emissions.
Propane Meets Unique University Needs
When planning for the construction or renovation of university buildings, the multi-faceted needs of large campuses and the many different types of buildings and uses make for a daunting task. But one decision is easy: choose propane to power water heating, space heating, cooking equipment, laundry appliances, backup power, and even maintenance fleets. You’ll do so with the knowledge that you’re saving the university money, boosting sustainability, and building in resiliency.
Learn more about propane for commercial buildings.
