The integrity of existing, aging roofs on a number of college buildings and their ability to prevent water infiltration has been of concern for a number of years. With Board of Trustee approval, the college engaged the URS Corporation to assess the condition of the roofing systems of the Phase I Academic Building (Wings A-E); Library, G-Building; H-Building; Student Center; and the Pine Hall student residence. The consultants explored various roofing alternatives that would not only protect the integrity of the buildings’ interiors but would conserve energy and reflect principles of “green design” and sustainability as well.

The firm prepared design documents that were submitted to both FM Global, the college’s property insurance carrier, and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, for plan review.

As permitted by the New Jersey Economic Development Act of 2009, the college solicited requests for proposals (RFP’s) from firms interested and willing to enter into a partnership with the college. Under the arrangement envisioned, the private party at its expense would fund the capital cost of the roof replacement, install solar panels either on the roofs and/or on-grade elsewhere on campus, and receive a return on its investment through: (1) the sale to the college of the renewable energy generated by the panels under a power purchase agreement (PPA); (2) tax depreciation of the panels; and (3) receipt of solar energy credits (SREC’s) from the State.

Analysis of final proposals from four (4) firms resulted in the selection of National Energy Partners for the public/private partnership (P3). The college notified National Energy Partners of the intent to enter into a partnership with the firm. The EDA approved the proposed partnership at its January 2012 board meeting, and the college and National Energy Partners executed a P3 and PPA this past May.

The College contracted with JP Patti Roofing to replace designated roofs. The private partner has agreed to reimburse the college $2.2 million for the roof replacement.

Roof replacement began in January 2012. To date, work on Wings A-E, H, Library and Pine Hall is substantially complete. Flashing, coping and installation of safety railing will take place during July 2012, as will replacement of defective DensDeck material previously installed on Wings C, D and E.

National Energy Partnership’s subcontractor, Amberjack Solar of Oakland, New Jersey, is currently designing the photovoltaic system. Installation of solar carports in the parking lots and panels on roofs should be underway by the Fall 2012.

Architecture/Engineering for Re-Roofing: URS Architects/Engineers, Inc., Wayne, New Jersey Consulting Engineer for Solar Installation: Gannett Fleming Engineers and Architects, New York, New York Construction Management: Cambridge Construction Management, Somerville, New Jersey