Case Study: Renison University College shifts 97% of cooling electricity to off-peak hours with Trane thermal storage

Renison University College - Customer Case Study

Renison University College, an affiliated college of the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario, was expanding rapidly and needed a new building HVAC approach that would minimize energy use and carbon footprint while preserving occupant comfort. The college also wanted design flexibility for future vertical expansion, so it worked with Trane Commercial on a solution that would avoid rooftop equipment and support long-term growth.

Trane Commercial implemented a Trane EarthWise Ice-Enhanced Air-Cooled Chiller Plant with thermal storage, including a CGAM air-cooled scroll chiller, CALMAC IceBank energy storage tanks, Tracer SC controls, and high-efficiency air handlers. The system shifted 97% of cooling electricity use to off-peak hours, cut peak demand by 88.6 kW, reduced chiller size from 90 tons to 52 tons, and is expected to save about $12,000 annually in peak energy costs; Renison also received a utility rebate from Waterloo North Hydro.

Renison University College

Jim Robson

Manager of Plant Operations/facilities