The Catholic University of America: Energy performance

Better Buildings Challenge Partners strive to decrease portfolio-wide source energy use intensity (EUI) and to increase the percent improvement compared to a set baseline. Catholic University's portfolio consists of 50 buildings and 2.4 million square feet. Catholic University has improved energy performance by 15% from a 2016 baseline, making progress towards a goal of 20% by 2026. Energy consumption during 2020 and 2021 was significantly lower than a typical year since COVID-19 disruptions resulted in temporary building closures and reduced occupancy for much of the year. From 2019 to 2021, Catholic University undertook several significant energy projects including replacing an antiquated, campus-wide steam loop with a more efficient hot/chilled water system. Additionally, the University has improved historic building envelopes, deployed electric submetering, and completed LED retrofits at 3 buildings and an athletic field.