How the University of Arizona Uses EnergyCAP to Maximize ROI and Cut Utility Waste

In summary:

The University of Arizona uses EnergyCAP’s energy management software to:

• track utility usage
• uncover cost-saving opportunities
• benchmark performance
• support its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040—all while maximizing ROI from every drop and kilowatt.

ROI that resonates across campus

At the University of Arizona, energy projects are all about strategy, accountability, and results. Using EnergyCAP’s energy management software, the university tracks every drop and kilowatt, turning utility data into cost savings, carbon reductions, and ROI that matters. Mike Hoffman, the university’s Campus Energy Manager, approaches every project like an economist.

“I don’t think people realize how much energy managers have to play armchair economists,” Mike says. “Every dollar we spend needs to return value—financially, environmentally, and strategically.”

It’s a tall order when managing over 12 million square feet of aging infrastructure across a sprawling campus. Add in tight budgets and a bold commitment to achieve net-zero carbon by 2040, and suddenly, every decision needs to be backed by more than good intentions. With EnergyCAP, Mike has the data and tools to turn every energy conversation into a clear, compelling ROI story.

Turning utility data into actionable ROI

With EnergyCAP, the University of Arizona turns interval data into cost savings and project approvals, in turn connecting building performance to budget impact.

Here’s how:

• Justify capital projects using net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and payback period calculations.
• Detect inefficiencies early, using real-time alerts and interval data.
• Communicate value across stakeholders—from sustainability leaders to budget committees.

Case in point: Stuck valve, big savings

An unexpected spike in water usage at the Student Recreation Center raised red flags. EnergyCAP’s interval data triggered an alert, prompting a fast inspection. The cause? A stuck solenoid valve flushing gallons into the sewer around the clock. 

The fix was simple. The impact was massive. 

“That leak would’ve cost us millions of gallons annually,” Mike explains. “Because of EnergyCAP, we caught it early and avoided enormous waste. And I had the numbers to prove it immediately.”

Flexing ROI for every audience

Whether he’s in front of facilities staff, sustainability advocates, or senior administrators, Mike tailors his message to match what matters most to each audience. 

“Sometimes I need to show IRR and NPV. Other times, I just talk in metric tons of CO₂ avoided. It all depends on who’s in the room.”

This level of agility in communication makes energy efficiency a campus-wide priority—not just an operations concern.

From insight to impact: The EnergyCAP advantage

ROI isn’t only about what gets approved. It’s also about what gets prevented, delayed, or improved.  With EnergyCAP’s tools, the University of Arizona can:

• Spot waste before it escalates.
• Identify low-hanging fruit for efficiency gains.
• Prove the value of avoided costs—from excessive water use to redundant equipment runtime.

“Data has to be actionable insight,” Mike says. “Otherwise, it’s just a pretty report.”

EnergyCAP transforms raw utility data into a strategic asset—driving decisions that impact students, budgets, and sustainability goals.

The road to net-zero: One project at a time

With a goal to achieve net-zero carbon by 2040, the university has no room for guesswork. Each project Mike oversees is a stepping stone in a larger roadmap. By modeling multiple ROI scenarios and aligning metrics with stakeholder priorities, EnergyCAP helps ensure every initiative moves the needle—both financially and environmentally.

“We’re not just saving energy—we’re aligning campus operations with institutional mission,” Mike explains.

Ready to speak the language of ROI? 

Whether your audience is focused on budgets, sustainability, or strategic growth, EnergyCAP gives you the power to quantify, justify, and amplify your energy investments. 

Let’s talk about how you can turn every kilowatt and gallon into measurable impact.