Shepherd University Infrastructure Upgrades Deliver $1.8 Million in Energy Savings

ISSUED: 14 August 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle

SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV - Shepherd University's ongoing campus infrastructure improvements have generated $1.8 million in energy savings while modernizing aging systems across more than 1 million square feet of campus space.

Shepherd partnered with CMTA, an engineering and energy services firm, in 2020 to assess critical facility needs, address rising energy costs, and develop a long-term plan for upgrades.

The University and CMTA implemented a multi-year, campus-wide approach supported by several funding sources, including an Energy Savings Performance Contract, a West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission revolving loan, and state deferred maintenance funding.

The first two phases supported $16.7 million in improvements and guaranteed more than $515,000 in annual energy savings and operational costs over the next 15 years. The project has already reduced annual energy use on campus by 32% and exceeded guaranteed savings for Shepherd by more than $420,000.

Projects have included mechanical and electrical upgrades in academic buildings, residence halls, athletic facilities, and student spaces. Shepherd has also installed more than 10,000 LED fixtures across 25 buildings and modernized building automation systems in 19 facilities.

Major improvements include new mechanical systems in the Butcher Center, Byrd Science Center, and Student Center, equipment replacements in several residence halls and athletic facilities, and upgrades to heating, cooling, and water systems across campus.

These improvements help Shepherd continue to reduce operating expenses, improve building comfort and reliability, and direct more resources toward its academic mission and the student experience.

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