The multi-year project will improve 2.5 million square feet of campus buildings with the following upgrades:
The work will be conducted through an energy performance contract with McKinstry, a firm specializing in sustainable facilities, in partnership with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.
By consolidating critical maintenance projects under one contract, MSU can expedite upgrades while reducing operational costs. Megan James, director of engineering and utilities at MSU, highlighted the strategic benefits: “This significant commitment showcases the administration’s focus on creating a sustainable campus while addressing deferred maintenance.”
In addition to operational savings, the initiative aligns with MSU’s Sustainability Framework, which aims for carbon neutrality by 2040. The project will also provide opportunities for students, including sustainability training and summer employment.
MSU has a proven track record of energy efficiency improvements, including earning a STARS Gold rating in 2023 and implementing geothermal energy districts recognized by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Recent LEED-certified buildings, such as American Indian Hall, further underscore the university’s commitment to sustainability.