Public-private partnership brings much-needed modernization to campus infrastructure
The project to replace and modernize the university’s Central Utility Plant was completed in January. The 33-year public-private partnership between Meridiam, a leading infrastructure investment firm and sole owner of Bulldog Infrastructure Group and Fresno State to design, build, finance and maintain Fresno State’s central utility infrastructure system. The project is funded through a 30-year green bond and equity provided by Meridiam.
This project was the first public-private partnership for major utility infrastructure in the CSU system. The project consists of replacing and modernizing the campus’ Central Utility Plant, hot- and cold-water distribution network, and other energy conservation measures. The project installed a cost-effective mix of building efficiency and infrastructure improvements, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls; energy management systems with reliable HVAC delivery; and lighting and domestic hot water upgrades to reduce energy consumption and the university’s carbon footprint.
The project guarantees energy savings of over 33% and a 73% reduction in natural gas usage. Going forward, the project will contribute to yearly reductions of 7,902 tons of carbon and 7 million gallons of water. During the project’s underground works, 246 trees were successfully protected.
Other benefits to the community and campus include eight scholarship awards and 13 internships provided to date with two scholarship awards and one internship per year committed for the project duration.
– Lisa Bell (’95)
Project Benefits
33% energy savings
73% reduction in natural gas usage
Yearly reductions of:
› 7,902 tons of carbon
› 7 million gallons of water
246 trees protected
8 scholarship awards
13 internships
Photo by Cary Edmondson
Top photo: from left, Debbie Adishian-Astone, Fresno State vice president for Administration and chief financial officer emerita; Jeff Prickett, director of Facilities Operations and Services; Nicolas Rubio, CEO Americas for Meridiam; President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval; and Michael Bouwman, director of construction with NORESCO, celebrate the ribbon cutting as live mascot Victor E. Bulldog IV stands by.
