A national company recognized UF for its energy efficient construction and sustainable efforts on the renovated Reitz Union.
Trane, a global business that focuses on sustainable works, presented the Trane Energy Efficiency Leader Award on Tuesday in the Reitz. UF is one of three organizations to receive this award in 2017.
The Reitz reopened with new renovations in Spring 2016, according to Alligator archives.
Steve Corson, the complex sales account manager for Trane, said infrastructure in the original Reitz Union wasn’t updated until the recent renovation.
“For almost 40 years we had infrastructure and building mechanical and electrical systems that weren’t really updated, and were badly in need of replace and repair,” Corson said.
The updated union includes a chiller, designed to lower environmental impact and automatic air, heat, lighting and ventilation systems.
Curtis Reynolds, UF’s vice president for business affairs, accepted the award. He thanked the project’s workers and said it’s difficult to renovate existing facilities while they’re still open.
“On time, on budget and within scope,” Reynolds said. “Most of you are in construction and understand those three phenomenons, but to get them all in sync together at one time on a massive project like this — you should pat yourself on the back.”
Felix Wilson, the vice president, of Trane’s Southwest and West U.S., presents UF the Trane Energy Efficient Leader Award to Curtis Reynolds, UF’s vice president for business affairs; Eddie Daniels, the assistant vice president for business services; and David Kratzer, a former UF vice president for Student Affairs. The award recognizes the efficient and sustainable approach to the renovation of the Reitz Union.
