UBC Facilities undertakes routine capital projects to address deferred maintenance assets and facility modernization. Recent projects have replaced aging infrastructure with new, efficient systems that meet campus needs while lowering energy and maintenance demands.
Sustainability plus savings: Ponderosa Annex HVAC upgrade
Last summer, UBC Facilities upgraded the Ponderosa Annex buildings with a new, high-efficiency electric heat pump system to replace the aging gas-fired rooftop units. This efficient system means better heating and cooling and removes the need for costly electrical upgrades. Also, the buildings can now be disconnected from natural gas, supporting our campus sustainability goals.
Originally slated for replacement in 2023, the project was moved to Summer 2024 to revise the original design to address rising construction costs. The final redesign saved over 20% in projected project costs.
With these swing space buildings serving as vital temporary spaces for faculty and staff, this project has made these spaces more habitable for users, while also increasing efficiency and decreasing maintenance needs.
Check out the before and after of the upgrade.
Fresh air and flexible operations: Chemistry A fan replacement
In Chemistry A, the old, single large fan in air handler #1 has now been replaced with a new fan wall system of nine fans, each driven by variable speed drives.
Why it matters:
- Improved flexibility and comfort: The new system delivers air more efficiently and adjusts to varying needs, creating a more comfortable space for everyone in the building.
- Less maintenance and disruptions: The old fan system required frequent repairs—now, multiple fans minimize disruptions such as fume hood shutdowns.
The new fan wall.