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Wheaton College Completes Energy Efficiency Upgrades, Exceeds Year-One Targets

  • Wheaton College’s recent energy efficiency project has outperformed projected savings in its first year by nearly 9%.
  • Infrastructure and energy efficiency upgrades are projected to save over $4.38 million over the next 20 years.

Wheaton College, located in the Chicago western suburbs, has successfully completed a campus-wide energy and infrastructure project, surpassing its year-one targeted savings goal and advancing its commitment to environmental stewardship.

So far, these upgrades have delivered $177,485 in energy savings in the first year—exceeding the $163,116 performance target by nearly 9%. In total, the project in total is expected to save the college an estimated $4.38 million over 20 years through various energy conservation measures, including building automation, mechanical, and lighting.

These enhancements, implemented in partnership with Schneider Electric, align with Wheaton’s broader goal of reducing its scope 1 and 2 carbon footprint by 35% before 2030. The project has resulted in a 4,126-ton reduction in CO2 emissions and 358,991 kWh in its first year – equivalent to removing 876 cars from the road and reducing energy usage from 494 homes for one year. 

Facility improvements implemented by Schneider Electric were focused primarily on advanced building automation and mechanical upgrades, including replacing traditional steam-based heating with efficient hot water systems at the college’s Meyer Science Center. The college also replaced outdated lighting with energy-efficient LEDs in King Arena and the Natatorium, dramatically improving the experience in these key spaces for students, staff, and visitors.

This project is a critical part of Wheaton College’s comprehensive sustainability initiative aimed at reducing its scope 1 and 2 carbon footprint by 35% from its 2016 peak by 2030. Central to this effort is the college’s hot water system transformation across campus.

Overall, these targeted measures represent a significant step toward Wheaton’s sustainability goals. These advancements showcase how institutions can lead by example in adopting innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact and strengthen campus operations.

About Schneider Electric

SE Advisory Services, part of Schneider Electric, helps public sector organizations optimize asset performance, decarbonize operations, and build future-ready infrastructure. As the #1 Energy Services Company, backed by Schneider Electric’s global expertise and a track record of over 1,000 projects saving more than $4 billion nationwide, we deliver strategic advisory services and turnkey infrastructure solutions that help our clients manage risk, navigate complexity, and fulfil their mission with confidence.

To learn more, visit se.com/us/publicsector