ABQ Times

The University of New Mexico (UNM) and Lobo Energy Incorporated (LEI) have partnered with Yearout Energy, an Energy Systems Group company, to enhance sustainability and operational efficiency on the UNM South Campus. The initiative is valued at $7.3 million.

This collaboration began in April 2021 with an Investment Grade Audit (IGA), following guidelines from the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department and the New Mexico General Services Department. The audit aimed to identify Facility Improvement Measures (FIMs) for future utility and operational cost savings. UNM expects to save $286,141 in utilities in the first year while extending the life of facility equipment.

Buildings undergoing upgrades date back to as early as 1951. These energy-saving measures are projected to reduce annual energy costs by nearly 11.6% and cut annual carbon dioxide emissions by 2,213,534 pounds through solar photovoltaic technology installations, upgraded light fixtures, building envelope remediation, and equipment standardization.

"Partnering with Yearout Energy represents a commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management," said Jason Strauss, President/CEO of Lobo Energy. "This initiative not only aligns with our mission to create a more sustainable and affordable production of energy on campus but also supports our long-term infrastructure needs."

Yearout Energy worked closely with UNM and LEI during the IGA process to identify critical improvement areas focusing on strategies for significant savings. These efforts aim to reduce the University's carbon footprint while advancing commitments to clean energy.

"We are proud to work alongside UNM and LEI on this transformative project," said Colby Geer, President of Yearout Energy. "The findings from the IGA pave the way for sustainable improvements that benefit not just the University but also the Albuquerque community."

Planned Facility Improvement Measures include installing over 7,000 new LED lighting fixtures with enhanced controls, replacing mechanical equipment with high-efficiency units, installing a new Building Automation System (BAS), replacing boilers with high-efficiency models, updating low-voltage transformers, identifying rate change opportunities for reduced utility costs, sealing ducts across multiple sites for energy loss remediation throughout mechanical systems, remediating building envelopes sealing areas causing energy losses, retro-commissioning existing mechanical systems at one site, and installing a 181 kW DC carport solar PV system at the South Championship Golf Course.

The project is expected to be completed by summer 2025.

For additional information or interviews about this project contact Jason Strauss at strauss@unm.edu or Tammy Valentine at tammy@luckytamm.com.