Challenge

In 2002, Portland State University (PSU) started a project for the environmentally friendly modernization of its buildings in order to reduce long-term costs and contribute to environmental protection.

Solution

In the framework of the project, Siemens Water Technologies supplied a water treatment system that allows the efficient use of rainwater.  The system's disinfection and membrane filtration components ensure a consistently high water quality level.  The Strantrol® 890 controller has been integrated into PSU's water plant.  Currently the treated water is only used for flushing toilets, but with a few additional treatment steps potable water could be produced.

As part of the modernization project Siemens Building Technologies supplied valuable environmental technology, for instance an integrated HVAC system and the APOGEE system that controls the entire range of supply units in the building.  The control technology used for this purpose regulates the water supply, controls rainwater use within the building, optimizes interior air quality by means of automatically adjustable windows and monitors the function of the emergency systems.

Results

• PSU has been able to reduce its water consumption by 40 percent compared to previous years.
• Overall energy consumption is 45 percent lower than standard values set by the government for public buildings (Oregon Code).

Since the energy bill for the University's 50 buildings easily reaches the million-dollar range, this sustainability strategy is not only environmentally friendly, but also economically sound.

The University's Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science was even awarded with the U.S. Green Buildings Council's Gold LEED Certificate for its environmental compatibility.

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