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%.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • California High School Starts Construction on STEAM, Music Buildings

    Tamalpais High School, part of the Tamalpais Union High School District, recently broke ground on two new major facilities for its campus in Mill Valley, Calif., according to a news release. The district is partnering with Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and Lathrop Construction Associates for the Science Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) and Music Buildings, both replacing their outdated counterparts.

  • ClassVR Wins Tech & Learning Best of Show at ISTELive 25

    Avantis Education recently announced that its flagship product, ClassVR, won the Tech & Learning Best of Show Award at ISTELive 25 in San Antonio, Texas, according to a news release. The program is designed to celebrate products that are “transforming education in schools around the world and that show the greatest promise for the industry,” and this is the fourth consecutive year that Avantis has claimed the award.

  • Delta State University Completes Renovations to School of Nursing Facilities

    Delta State University recently completed a major expansion and renovation project for the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing facilities on its campus in Cleveland, Miss., according to a news release. The project includes about 14,000 square feet of new construction and more than 21,000 square feet of renovation work to the existing space.

  • Elevating Campus Maintenance: How Power Wash Drones are Transforming Educational Facilities

    As today’s campuses grow larger and more architecturally complex, keeping exteriors clean, safe, and inviting has never been tougher. Facilities leaders are under constant pressure to stretch budgets, meet safety standards, and support sustainability goals—all while tackling the stubborn challenge of exterior cleaning.

Digital Edition