Data-driven Planning to Decarbonize University Campuses in California

With Tetra Tech’s support, the CSU system can realize a 70 percent reduction potential in natural gas consumption, meet their climate action commitments, and support California’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2025. Campuses were prioritized for carbon-free heating systems using submeter data, inverse energy modeling, and predictive analytics.

Tetra Tech building energy modelers developed a central utility plant scenario analysis planning tool and dynamic dashboards that allow each CSU campus to make decisions regarding how to optimize heat recovery strategies and create a unique plan to reduce GHG emissions. These dashboards enable stakeholders to better understand the multidimensional impacts of a carbon-free heating system and can be used to develop a long-term clean energy strategy. Tetra Tech also developed a system-wide decarbonization framework that consisted of policy reviews, mechanical design and energy modeling guidelines, technology assessments, and decarbonization strategies.

Tetra Tech worked closely with a CSU energy managers task force and the CSU Chancellor’s Office to to develop a broad decarbonization framework that applies to and is approved for use across the unique infrastructure and operation conditions of the CSU’s 23 campuses.