It was called the Polar Vortex, an ominous sounding winter event that challenged even the heartiest of Midwesterners with double-digit below zero temperatures and wind chills. And because once wasn’t enough, Polar Vortex II quickly followed.

Yes, we bundled up in extra layers while walking a bit faster on campus. But once we entered our respective buildings, we could rest assured: the heat was on.

The Charter Street Heating Plant is responsible for keeping the 65,000 people who work and study on campus in more than 300 buildings comfortable. That’s roughly the population of Janesville, Wis.