Building Efficiency Program

The Office for Sustainability's award-winning Building Efficiency Program (BEP) provides building upgrades that reduce energy and enhance performance across UVA's portfolio of 550 buildings.

UVA's energy efficiency programs are generating impressive results and recognition, with millions of dollars in avoided utility costs and substantial reductions in energy use, demonstrating how targeted investments in HVAC and lighting systems have both environmental and financial benefits.

The Office for Sustainability's Building Energy Efficiency Program for existing buildings, with Sustainable Labs and Sustainable Clinics components, has resulted in more than $4.8 million in annual avoided utility costs in the over 60 buildings that have been worked on since 2019.Within this program, the MR-4 energy retrofit project alone achieved a 31% reduction in energy use, resulting in $1 million in annual utility savings, with a simple payback of 1.9 years. It was recognized with a 2026 U.S. Department of Energy 2026 Better Project Award.

BEP Engineers looking at Chiller Plant facilities

BEP’s team of Energy Engineers prioritizes the most energy-use intensive buildings that present the strongest opportunities for achieving significant energy savings - with a 3-5 year payback or less. The program funds and implements energy efficiency projects and recovers the investment through utility savings. This model eliminates the upfront capital costs of energy efficiency upgrades for UVA schools and units and ensures the projects yield reliable paybacks.

The BEP performs retro-commissioning, scheduling, and LED upgrades. Research labs and patient care clinics are particularly energy intensive and thus have dedicated Sustainable Labs and Sustainable Clinics programs. Typical projects include upgrades to lighting systems, HVAC scheduling, ventilation, pneumatic controls and direct digital controls. These projects also result in improved lighting, indoor air quality and comfort for the occupants. 

Case Studies

Clark Hall
Campbell Hall
Newcomb Hall
Health Sciences Library

BEP Accolades