Campus-wide Electrical Distribution Project

The equipment in UMB’s current master electrical substation is about 60 years and approaching the limits of its capacity. Recognizing UMB’s growth, this upgrade of the campus’s electrical distribution system will provide reliability and help UMB meet today’s demands while also building in additional capacity for the future. Particularly with expected future building electrification to help UMB meet its carbon neutrality goal, this increased electrical capacity will help UMB in its transition away from fossil fuel-run building systems and toward an electrified vehicle fleet. This project has three main phases:

• Construction of the North Station at the UMB Recycling Center
• Duct bank construction and feeder connections across entirety of campus to each building substation
• Construction of South Station behind HSHSL

Work on this project began in the Fall of 2014. The original scope of work is expected to be completed by Fall 2027, though additional follow-up work will extend out to 2029.

Energy Reduction Team

Taking advantage of the limited population density on campus during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Energy Reduction Team in F&O implemented energy-saving measures throughout UMB buildings, particularly research facilities. This initiative has saved the university money through reduced utility costs and has decreased its greenhouse gas emissions in support of its sustainability goals. Many of the energy-saving measures implemented at the height of the pandemic are still in place today, despite campus re-occupation, thus continuing to save the university money and reduce its carbon footprint. Learn more about the initiative on the UMB Champions of Excellence page.