Georgetown University’s Utility Infrastructure Modernization

The Challenge

Improve reliability, efficiency, and sustainability across aging campus utility infrastructure

Project Overview

Georgetown University entered into a long-term partnership to modernize and operate its campus utility systems, addressing deferred maintenance challenges while strengthening reliability and advancing sustainability goals. Through a 50-year concession agreement with Georgetown Energy Partners – composed of OPTERRA Energy Services and Axium Infrastructure – the university retains ownership of its energy infrastructure while gaining dedicated expertise to operate, maintain, and invest in critical utility systems serving its main campus and downtown law facilities.

Healy Hall at Georgetown University, a historic campus landmark that anchors academic life and reflects the university’s long-term investment in its campus community.

Key Benefits

Energy

• Improved reliability of campus utility systems through dedicated operations, maintenance, and engineering support.
• Conversion of legacy steam infrastructure to more efficient hot water systems to improve performance and resiliency.
• Enhanced utility system performance across electricity, heating, cooling, natural gas, and water distribution.

Savings

• Campus-wide efficiency upgrades expected to reduce energy use intensity by 35% by 2031.
• Optimized infrastructure planning that addresses deferred maintenance while lowering long-term operating costs.
• Smarter energy use through modernization of distribution systems and improved system efficiency.

Community

• Expanded academic collaboration through internships, scholarships, grants, and sustainability-focused curricula.
• Training and professional development opportunities for university utilities staff through integration with a global energy services organization.
• Support for nonprofit and community organizations affiliated with the university over the life of the partnership.

Energy Assessment and Strategy

Georgetown Energy Partners works collaboratively with university leadership to evaluate campus utility performance, identify efficiency opportunities, and prioritize infrastructure investments. The strategy focuses on addressing deferred maintenance, improving system reliability, and reducing overall energy consumption by 35% within the first decade, while aligning utility operations with Georgetown’s long-standing leadership in sustainability and green power adoption.

Implementation and Funding

Under the 50-year concession agreement, Georgetown Energy Partners provides day-to-day operations, maintenance, engineering, financing, and project management for campus utility systems, while the university retains control over capital improvement decisions. The partnership covers central plants and distribution networks that heat and cool campus buildings, as well as the procurement and distribution of electricity, natural gas, and water, enabling a steady pipeline of upgrades delivered with minimal disruption to campus activities.