Construction at Shippensburg University is still underway to convert the campuses heating and air conditioning system to a newer, more fuel-efficient energy system.

According to the recent Ship News and Events email, the constuction involving the new heating systems is expected to be completed in September.

The air conditioning and cooling systems are planned to be done in April 2015. The entire construction project is projected to be completed by July 2015.

Currently, fences are blocking off large areas around Wright Hall and Kriner Dining Hall. This has made access to Wright Hall limited, as well as the area from Old Main to the Huber Arts Center. The asphalt on several areas of the roads around campus is torn up. This resulted in many potholes and unpaved sections of road. Drivers should use caution in these areas.

Emily Sarver, a sophomore at SU, said the construction causes minor inconveniences, but is ultimately necessary for the good it will provide to the university.

“This construction just displays that Ship is trying to better our campus, which I see as positive more than anything,” Jeremy Lafaw, a senior, said. “[The construction] affected me a little bit because of the way I went, yet it does not bother me much.”

The university’s old coal-powered steam plant closed last May. Its replacement is a natural gas plant. The previous chilled-water systems located around campus are being replaced with a central chilled-water plant, along with a thermal energy storage tank.

SU projects financial savings to breach $330,000 and for a 40 percent reduction in the campus’ carbon footprint. Students and faculty are asked not to enter fenced off areas and to be aware of construction vehicles. Updates on the construction project can be found on the SU website.

Anyone with questions about the construction should contact the department of facilities by emailing jlbrys@ship.edu or calling 477-1451.

The demolition of Harley Hall endedin July. The demolition was unrelated to the current construction.

Share