Eastern Michigan University (EMU), USA, has announced that it achieved a financial close on a 50-year infrastructure partnership with CenTrio. 

The funding comprised an initial payment of US$115 million to the university, along with an additional US$50 million designated for energy conservation initiatives and urgent infrastructure upgrades. Eastern Michigan University established a collaboration with Eagle Energy Partners (EEP), owned by CenTrio, to serve as the Concessionaire.

Under the terms of the partnership, EEP will be responsible to improve sustainability, implement new energy conservation measures and reduce energy usage, modernize its energy grid, accelerate decarbonization, and address critical deferred maintenance while also receiving significant funds to directly assist students and support faculty, retention, recruitment, satisfaction, and a positive campus experience among other strategic initiatives. 

The scope of works also include includes the demolition of the closed dormitories of Jones and Goddard, the addition of smart meters, an energy management dashboard with a real-time online display of campus energy consumption, modernization of the building automation system (improved zone/room lighting, room air conditioning and automatic sensors), water conservation, new central chilled water plant to improve efficiency, potential conversion of the campus steam system and LED lighting upgrades. The lead project consultant is Rieth Jones Advisors and the lead developer is Gilbane.