Rice University’s Integrated Climate and Energy Master Plan

Abstract

Beginning in 2012, Rice University partnered with Sebesta, Inc.,
to develop a 30-year integrated climate and energy master plan for Rice
University that would address several of Rice’s requirements, includ-
ing:
1. Serve campus growth of facilities and associated energy require-
ments;
2. Improve energy performance of campus facilities and utility sys-
tems;
3. Meet campus sustainability goals.
Recognizing the interdependence of all system components to
meet Rice’s climate commitment, an integrated approach was taken to
address campus steam/electricity/chilled water production and dis-
tribution systems in conjunction with the demand-side performance
of energy using facilities. This article presents the process used for the
master planning effort, and the findings and recommendations of the
master plan.