Many campuses have successfully implemented energy projects, but transforming an entire campus’ energy infrastructure is a much larger challenge that can feel overwhelming. Using Montana State University as a case study, this session will demonstrate how campuses can begin to “eat the elephant” and develop a strategy for long term transformation.
We will explore how energy simulation can help direct campus planning efforts, exploring topics like energy benchmarking, campus energy modeling, geothermal systems, district energy solutions, and capital planning. The presentation will focus on practical lessons learned from MSU’s innovative energy solutions and discuss how campuses can prioritize investments that improve efficiency, reduce operating costs, increase resilience, and meet campus energy objectives.
Tim Johnson, PE, BEMP, LEED AP BD+C, LFA
Tim Johnson is Director of Sustainability at Cushing Terrell and leads the firm's Energy Modeling Team. With over 20 years of experience in building performance, energy planning, and decarbonization, Tim helps universities, public agencies, and other organizations develop practical, cost-effective strategies to reduce energy use and carbon emissions. His expertise includes campus energy planning, energy modeling, geothermal feasibility studies, life cycle cost analysis, and high-performance building design. Tim has worked with institutions throughout the Northwest to improve facility performance and advance sustainability goals. In this session, he will share strategies for advancing campus energy efficiency and lessons learned from Montana State University's campus energy planning efforts.