University of Kentucky Sees Positive Results from Energy Efficiency Program
The University of Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., recently announced the results of its Energy Program in Facilities Management, put into place eight years ago, according to a news release. Between the fiscal years of 2017 and 2025, the university’s campus grew by 13.6% while the energy use per square foot dropped by 19.2%. The difference has saved the university a cumulative $85.5 million in energy costs, including $52.9 million for education & general operations.
“The success of the Energy Program reflects the university’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and operational excellence,” said Mary Vosevich, vice president for Facilities Management and chief facilities officer. “The Energy Program has empowered us to approach energy management strategically by reducing consumption, boosting efficiency and making smart reinvestments that benefit the entire UK community. We’re proud of the progress and excited to build on it.”
The Energy Program’s financial outcomes include an investment of $10.8 million in utility infrastructure improvement projects over $100,000; $8.2 million in fund balances back to the university; $15.4 million covered in un- or underfunded new square footage; and a strengthened budget against rising costs of labor, chemicals, and utilities, the news release reports.
According to the university website, the program began in 2016 as a partnership with energy conservation and sustainability company Cenergistic. The program’s ultimate goal is to reduce campus energy consumption by 20%.
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Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].