UC Davis Health CUP Expansion 

Challenge

UC Davis Health’s Central Utility Plant (CUP) required modernization to meet the growing demands of the campus and to support sustainability goals. The existing plant needed upgrades to increase system capacities, maintain reliability, and facilitate the decarbonization of central utility services. 

Solution

Mazzetti is providing mechanical and plumbing engineering services for the CUP Expansion project. The approach involves modernizing the existing plant and constructing a new interconnected building to expand the overall plant size. Key features include the implementation of centrifugal chillers, heat recovery chillers for heating and cooling, thermal energy storage, and air source heat pumps. Additionally, the project includes upgrades to the existing plant infrastructure to transition from a steam-based cogeneration system to an all-electric system. Campus utility system piping and pumping infrastructure are being upgraded to accommodate the change in operating requirements. 

Outcome

The enhancements aim to support the project’s goals of sustainability, increased capacity, and operational efficiency while ensuring reliable utility services for UC Davis Health. The project is expected to be completed by 2030 and will significantly contribute to the decarbonization efforts and improved utility services for the campus.