Purdue plans to demolish coal-burning boiler

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) - Purdue University plans to demolish an old coal-burning boiler, convert another coal-burning boiler to natural gas and install a natural gas-fired combined heat and power unit as part of a new comprehensive energy plan.

The school announced the $33.1 million plan on Monday. The money had originally been intended to build a new clean-coal boiler.

The school's trustees last year asked that the university create a comprehensive energy plan to identify and meet Purdue's long-term energy needs. Physical facilities vice president Robert McMains says the plan puts the campus in position for a more sustainable future.

To better monitor how and where energy is consumed on campus, the proposal calls for meters to be installed at individual buildings over a three-year period.