Campus Decarbonization at University of California Riverside.
The development of a roadmap for the University of California Riverside (UCR) campus to achieve its decarbonization goals. A key strategy to reduce on-campus emissions was replacing traditional steam heating with a high-efficiency, electrified, low-carbon hot water network.
In alignment with the latest University of California climate action goals, UCR commissioned a campus decarbonization study, the objective of which was to identify pathways to transition away from on-campus fossil fuel use, reducing associated greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2045.
Developed by our energy planning team, the roadmap charts a transition from a 70-year-old, emission-heavy steam infrastructure to a low-temperature hot water system powered by heat recovery chillers, air source heat pumps, and thermal energy storage. The plan not only supports a 90% reduction in Scope 1 emissions but also prioritizes infrastructure resilience, cost-efficiency, and equity. With a flexible phasing strategy and alignment to institutional goals, UCR is setting a new benchmark for campus energy transformation — one that balances technical ambition with operational realities and long-term climate leadership.
A next-generation energy model for higher education
University of California Riverside’s path to decarbonization began with a critical look at its energy infrastructure and connected buildings. The campus relies on an ageing steam network, with steam generated at a central utility plant and distributed across university buildings. While still operating effectively, the centralized system poses challenges in maintenance, energy performance, and emissions control. Steam boilers, distributed boilers, and kitchen equipment account for nearly 90% of UCR’s Scope 1 emissions.
Our energy planning team conducted building audits to assess existing building system performance and develop solutions for an energy system transition. From there, we developed a model of the campus energy network to appraise the operational and economical feasibility of possible solutions, including alternate configurations of the existing steam network, decentralized building systems, and alternative fuels (e.g., hydrogen).
Our proposed solution focused on replacing UCR’s aging steam system with a low-temperature hot water network, which enables the use of high-efficiency centralized heat pumps. For the campus buildings currently served by the existing district steam network, we recommended upgrades to coils, piping, and controls for hot water compatibility. For process loads on campus, localized electric equivalents were proposed, with associated electrical infrastructure improvements.
Minimizing disruption, maximizing resilience
Minimizing disruption to daily campus life was a core priority throughout the decarbonization effort. We developed a five-phase implementation plan that ensured continuity of service throughout the planned energy transition. Plans included temporary boiler systems to maintain heating and cooling as upgrades progressed. By leveraging the existing utility corridors, which cover roughly 70% of the hot water distribution network, major intrusions into campus operations could be avoided.
Addressing infrastructure resilience was equally essential. Our team worked closely with Riverside Public Utilities to identify limits of grid capacity and reduce the single-point-of-failure risk at UCR’s main electrical substation. Proposed system enhancements included the integration of thermal energy storage and heat recovery chillers, providing greater energy efficiency and operational flexibility across the campus.
The roadmap also emphasized equity – embedding metrics of environmental justice into the technical analysis to ensure a fair and inclusive energy transition.
Today, UCR is putting the plan into action. The Satellite Plant is being expanded to optimize phasing, and design is underway to convert the first two of eleven steam-reliant buildings to hot water systems. Decarbonization is now an institutional priority, with three of the university’s top 20 Facilities Services goals directly supporting the transition, reflecting UCR’s campus-wide commitment to a resilient, low-carbon future.
Figure 1: Scenario performance scorecard
Planning for long-term impact
Our collaboration with UCR continues as we explore near-term pilot projects for decarbonized heating systems and work closely with university leadership to identify funding pathways. This ongoing partnership ensures UCR is not only implementing a new system but also building the capacity to sustain and evolve its decarbonization strategy independently.
Figure 2: Implementation timeline summary
Our roadmap combined AECOM’s strategic energy planning expertise with UCR’s deep campus operational knowledge, resulting in a plan that is both technically robust and tailored to the university’s unique needs. It also includes a flexible phasing strategy designed to adapt to shifting project timelines, emerging technologies, and future campus growth.
By integrating local insights with proven decarbonization strategies, we empowered UCR to take ownership of their long-term sustainability goals. As a result, the university is now well-positioned to lead the way in sustainable campus transformation, demonstrating how thoughtful planning, flexible implementation, and strong partnerships in achieving lasting change.