Campus utilities
How U of I powers campus
University of Idaho is committed to delivering safe, reliable and efficient utility services to support student learning, research and daily campus operations. From heating classrooms to lighting sidewalks, our infrastructure ensures that campus remains comfortable, functional and sustainable year-round.
Utilities inside campus buildings are managed by the U of I Facilities team. Outdoor systems — including steam, electricity, chilled water and more — are maintained through a public-private partnership (P3) with Sacyr Plenary Utility Partners Idaho and McKinstry. Together, we operate and maintain the campus energy plant, manage distribution systems and lead infrastructure upgrades that serve students and employees.
Investing in campus through a utility partnership
U of I’s Public-Private Partnership with Sacyr Plenary and McKinstry provides long-term support for student success, groundbreaking research and university growth — benefiting not just our campus, but the state of Idaho.
Reducing our energy impact
As part of our commitment to sustainability and cost-efficiency, University of Idaho is actively working to reduce its energy and water consumption. Strategic energy planning is essential to meet the challenges of rising utility costs, increasing demand and a changing climate.
Key efforts include:
- Investing in efficient infrastructure and green technology
- Setting university-w energy standards
- Partnering with local and national stakeholders
- Engaging the campus community in conservation initiatives
Learn more about campus sustainability efforts
How U of I uses campus utilities
The scale of utility operations on campus is comparable to that of a small city. Energy is delivered through university-managed systems and is sourced in ways that emphasize affordability and sustainability.
- Electricity is purchased from Avista Utilities and distributed through two university-owned meters, reducing costs compared to standard commercial rates.
- Steam heat is produced at the U of I Energy Plant using local wood chips — a sustainable byproduct of the timber industry — cutting costs and lowering our carbon footprint.
- Natural gas is used as a backup fuel during peak demand or maintenance and is sourced directly from IGI Resources, Inc. Natural gas is also purchased from Avista Utilities for buildings not served by the energy plant.
| Utility type | Buildings served | Area served (sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|
| Steam | 62 | 3.22 million |
| Chilled water | 38 | 2.38 million |
| Electricity | 132 | 3.97 million |
Tracking our progress
Since 2006, U of I has launched multiple capital projects to reduce utility consumption. The table below shows our progress compared to baseline data from 2002.
| Metric | 2002 baseline | Value (year) | Net improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam Production Efficiency [lbs/MMBtu] | 11,142 | 13,027 (2022) | +14.5% |
| Particulate Emissions (tons) | 35.39 | 12.89 (2020) | -63.6% |
| CO2 Emissions (tons) | 76.84 | 10.09 (2020) | -86.9% |
| Make-up Water (gallons) | 3.4 million | 1.44 million (2022) | -59.2% |
| Domestic Water (gallons) | 2.17 million | 1.27 million (2022) | -41.3% |
| Electricity Use (kWh) | 63.8 million | 45.96 million (2022) | -27.9% |
Industrial control systems management of change
University of Idaho has a documented process for managing changes to its industrial control systems. This policy ensures that any proposed changes are reviewed ahead of time by the appropriate departments and stakeholders — helping maintain safety, minimize disruptions and support coordinated operations across campus.