Background

The Project consists of the operation, maintenance and improvement of the University’s Utility Systems, and related distribution systems serving over 90 buildings on the Main and Oakdale campuses.

The University of Iowa is the second largest university in the State*, with over 35,000 students and 1,200 Professors and Associate Professors. It spans 1,700 acres and is home to over 90 major buildings. The University has one of the nation’s largest teaching hospitals and the State of Iowa’s only medical tertiary/quaternary-level center. It has more than 13,000 employees, students, and volunteers. It annually admits about 37,000 in-patients and more than 58,000 emergency department visits took place in 2018.

The Project targets to achieve 100% coal-free campus before 2025, installing energy optimization smart systems and reducing carbon footprint with multiple initiatives such as local energy pellet production, boiler conversion to CHP, diverse renewable energy options.

94 full-time employees and 33 part-time student employees transitioned to the Concessionaire’s Operator at Financial Close.

Stage

In Operation

ESG/SDG Key Facts

The approved capital expenditure plan includes modifications to the power plant necessary for the elimination of coal.
The project team continues to evaluate energy conservation initiatives and renewable energy projects.
The Project obtained ISO 9001 for Quality Management Systems, ISO 14001 for Environmental Management Systems, ISO 18001 for Health and Safety Management Systems and ISO 50001 for Energy Management Systems.

Learn more about the project:

University of Iowa USA utility management concession

Meridiam successfully achieves financial close of the 50-year concession contract with the University of Iowa’s utility system

Meridiam and ENGIE awarded 50-year Utility Management Concession with the University of Iowa toward a zero-carbon transition