Facilities Management

Central Utility Plant Replacement Project

Fresno State, in partnership with the Bulldog Infrastructure Group (BIG), a consortium of companies, developed and implemented the largest Public-Private Partnership Utility Infrastructure Project in the CSU network. BIG has modernized Fresno State's central utility infrastructure system and enacted several other energy conservation measures (ECMs) to maximize project savings. Construction was completed in 2024, and BIG currently works with Fresno State to maintain and oversee the function of the infrastructure.

Digital illustration of Fresno State Campus
Replace the Central Plant & Distribution

BIG Partners

Equity Member

Lead Contractor and
Maintenance Provider

Lead Engineer
GHLN Logo

The project focused on replacing and upgrading the aged Central Utility Plant (CUP) which included the boiler plant, chiller plant, and their components. The campus hot- and chilled-water generation and distribution piping network were addressed, providing energy-efficient and reliable heating and cooling to more than 25,000 students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, BIG implemented a cost-effective mix of building efficiency and infrastructure improvements to buildings on campus including HVAC, controls, lighting, and domestic hot water upgrades. Finally, 4.55 MW of solar photovoltaic panels were installed over existing and previously unshaded parking lots P5 and P6 that generates clean energy for campus.

The refurbishment of the Central Utility Plant equipment has contributed to carbon reduction goals. The improvement of central plant efficiency, the electrification of campus heating, and the implementation of energy-efficient measures has resulted in an overall decrease in energy consumption.

Decrease of Carbon Dioxide emissions