Gallaudet University Microgrid Project Wins 2024 ABC Award of Excellence

CHA Consulting, Inc. (CHA) is thrilled to announce that the Gallaudet University Microgrid Project has been honored with a 2024 Award of Excellence by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Excellence in Construction Awards program. CHA conducted a comprehensive evaluation and feasibility study as the owner’s engineer and later partnered in designing and implementing a microgrid system to provide sustainable and efficient district energy services.

Located on Gallaudet University's Washington, D.C. campus, the project involved the installation of nearly 3,500 solar panels across seven university buildings. These panels will generate enough electricity to power approximately 400 homes in the D.C. area. Additionally, the project included the design and implementation of an 8.2 MW campus microgrid and district energy system, featuring steam, chilled water, and electrical generation through reciprocating engines, solar photovoltaic systems, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and electrical infrastructure upgrades.

The ABC Excellence in Construction Awards program is the premier competition within the construction industry, recognizing outstanding projects nationwide. The awards celebrate the nation's most innovative and high-quality construction projects, safety programs, and diversity initiatives.

Congratulations to the project team! Their efforts have enabled the university to generate clean energy, enhance campus resiliency, significantly reduce energy costs, and create additional revenue streams. All award winners will be celebrated at the 35th Annual National Excellence in Construction Awards Gala on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

About Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)

ABC is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950, representing over 23,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 67 chapters help members develop people, win work, and deliver that work safely, ethically, and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they operate. ABC's membership includes firms from all specialties within the U.S. construction industry, primarily focusing on industrial and commercial sectors. Learn more at ABC's official website.