Saddleback College: Cracking the Code to Decarbonization with… | P2S
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Cracking the Code to
Decarbonization with Engineering
in Action

Saddleback College: Cracking the Code to Decarbonization with Engineering in Action

Saddleback College is showing what's possible when ambitious goals meet innovative engineering. By partnering with P2S, they are transforming their campus infrastructure to meet Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction goals, paving the way to Net Zero emissions. But this isn't just about Saddleback—this is a blueprint for any organization ready to make sustainability actionable.

Through our 9 Steps Decarb Playbook, P2S combines deep technical expertise with tailored strategies to solve complex challenges and deliver measurable results. Whether it's through data-driven insights, advanced electrification, or resilient infrastructure upgrades, the process is designed to work for your unique needs—just as it did for Saddleback.

What you'll learn:

  • How the P2S team partners with clients to uncover opportunities and achieve transformational outcomes.
  • The proven step-by-step methodology that can help you achieve your decarbonization goals.
  • Why organizations like Saddleback trust P2S to deliver engineering solutions that turn vision into action.

This playbook isn't just about what P2S did for Saddleback—it's about what P2S can do for you. Click the icon below to get started!

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Aravind Batra

Vice President

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01

Data Gathering – Building the Foundation

Our Technical Approach: Every effective decarbonization plan begins with in-depth data collection. This process includes documenting existing energy usage and installing sub-meters on key components. Data is then enriched with real-time monitoring through Building Management Systems (BMS), enabling detailed analysis of consumption patterns and identifying inefficiencies across steady and peak demand.


P2S in Action: At Saddleback College, P2S established an energy profile through detailed audits and real-time monitoring, creating a comprehensive foundation for informed decision-making.


Empowering Outcomes: By building a precise baseline, the College gained valuable insights into inefficiencies, empowering them to make cost-effective investments that maximize decarbonization potential.

02

Developing Baselines – Defining the Path Forward

Our Technical Approach: Developing baselines for energy use and emissions is key to setting measurable goals. Historical data is benchmarked against industry standards to create dynamic baselines that reflect both past performance and modern efficiency targets. Real-time data calibration enhances accuracy, ensuring benchmarks are meaningful.


P2S in Action: P2S created dynamic energy baselines tailored to Saddleback College's infrastructure, ensuring progress could be accurately measured and aligned with decarbonization objectives.


Empowering Outcomes: Clear benchmarks provided the College with a roadmap to track progress, ensuring accountability and alignment with sustainability commitments.

03

Identifying ECMs, Exploring Incentives, LCCA, and Paybacks – Ensuring Viability

Our Technical Approach: P2S identified tailored Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) and simulated their impact under various conditions. Lifecycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) evaluated long-term savings and cost benefits, while financial incentives were explored to offset capital costs and maximize ROI. This analysis includes equipment upgrades, advanced controls, storage, and other cost-effective measures.


P2S in Action: Leveraging its expertise, P2S implemented prioritized ECMs and identified financial incentives to offset costs, delivering impactful upgrades like advanced storage solutions.


Empowering Outcomes: By combining innovative strategies and financial foresight, P2S enabled Saddleback College to reduce energy costs, achieve rapid paybacks, and fund transformative upgrades.

04

Optimizing Waste Energy – Harnessing Every Resource

Our Technical Approach: Waste energy from equipment is captured and repurposed to maximize efficiency. Heat recovery systems redirect exhaust heat for water heating, while thermal storage solutions store reclaimed heat for use during high-demand periods.


P2S in Action: The P2S team designed and installed heat recovery systems at Saddleback's central plant, repurposing wasted energy to meet heating demands sustainably.


Empowering Outcomes: These measures lowered operational costs and reduced resource consumption, directly supporting the College's sustainability goals.

05

Minimizing Embodied Carbon – Reducing Environmental Impact from the Start

Our Technical Approach: P2S minimizes embodied carbon by selecting materials with low carbon footprints and high recycled content, guided by Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and lifecycle assessments (LCA). Prefabrication methods are encouraged to reduce waste, transportation emissions, and overall project impact.


P2S in Action: By prioritizing low-carbon materials and embracing prefabrication, P2S significantly reduced emissions associated with the project's construction phase.


Empowering Outcomes: This forward-thinking approach aligned the project with industry sustainability standards, lowering its environmental footprint and setting the stage for continued progress.

06

Electrifying Loads – Shifting Toward Clean Energy

Our Technical Approach: Shifting energy loads from gas to electricity prepares buildings for renewable integration. Air source heat pumps or heat recovery chillers replace gas-fired boilers for space and water heating. Building infrastructure is upgraded to handle increased electrical loads, optimizing for a low-carbon future.


P2S in Action: P2S replaced gas-fired boilers with air-source heat pumps, eliminating reliance on aging cogeneration systems while upgrading campus electrical capacity.


Empowering Outcomes: These efforts position Saddleback College for renewable integration and compliance with future energy regulations.

07

Using Low-GWP Refrigerants – Reducing Climate Impact

Our Technical Approach: High-GWP refrigerants are replaced with low-GWP options to reduce the environmental impact of cooling systems. Leak detection systems are added to prevent emissions, helping facilities align with sustainability goals while minimizing climate impact.


P2S in Action: P2S introduced advanced chillers using low-GWP refrigerants, supporting Saddleback's commitment to sustainable operations.


Empowering Outcomes: The College significantly reduced its carbon footprint while maintaining compliance with emerging environmental standards.

08

Promoting EV Chargers – Supporting Clean Transportation

Our Technical Approach: P2S integrates EV charging infrastructure to support electric vehicle adoption. Load management ensures peak demand is controlled without straining the building's electrical system. Where feasible, chargers are connected to renewable sources, creating a closed-loop system for zero-emission transportation.


P2S in Action: P2S installed Level 2 and Level 3 EV chargers powered in part by solar energy, aligning campus operations with clean transportation goals.


Empowering Outcomes: This EV infrastructure enhances sustainability while attracting the next generation of environmentally conscious students and faculty.

09

Evaluating Impact on Infrastructure – Building a Resilient Future

Our Technical Approach: On-site renewable generation, battery storage, and microgrid systems create resilience and allow buildings to operate independently during outages or peak demand events. Scenario modeling helps design the optimal energy mix, maximizing on-site generation and reducing dependency on the grid.


P2S in Action: P2S designed a solar PV and battery storage system that supports off-grid operations and builds the foundation for a future microgrid.


Empowering Outcomes: With enhanced energy independence and operational cost savings, Saddleback College is poised for long-term resilience and sustainability.