UofM Receives $242,500 Clean Tennessee Energy Grant

August 17, 2016 - The University of Memphis has been selected to receive a Clean Tennessee Energy Grant of $242,500 for enhancements at the Ned R. McWherter Library. The UofM project will consist of replacing a 330-ton water-cooled chiller with a new variable-speed, high-efficiency chiller and conversion of the existing cooling tower to variable speed at the library. The current chiller operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week; the new system will provide significant energy and cost savings. The project enhancements are estimated to reduce energy consumption by 345,215 kilowatt hours annually and reduce maintenance and energy costs by $31,879. Annual CO2 equivalent reductions are estimated to be 270 tons. 

"We are pleased to receive the Clean Tennessee Energy Grant," said President M. David Rudd. "This project will allow the McWherter Library to maintain the critical environment needed to protect its extensive holdings, while at the same time conserving energy."

Grant recipients were chosen through a process that gave consideration to projects that best met the selection criteria and expressed the greatest local need. Funding for these grants are from a federal court settlement of an enforcement action under the federal Clean Air Act, which resulted in a consent decree with the Tennessee Valley Authority. These funds are critical in restoring and maintaining air quality in Tennessee and surrounding states.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Gabrielle Maxey
901.678.2135
gmaxey@memphis.edu