Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

University of Kentucky Sees Positive Results from Energy Efficiency Program

  • By Matt Jones
  • 06/18/25

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

  • URI Cuts Underwater Ribbon on New Ocean Robotics Laboratory

    The University of Rhode Island recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Ocean Robotics Laboratory at its Narragansett Bay Campus, according to a news release. Two students used a remotely operated vehicle to cut an underwater ribbon in a 30-by-20-foot test tank.

  • Missouri Child Development Center Completes $2.3M Expansion

    The Urban Sprouts Child Development Center in St. Louis, Mo., recently announced the completion of a $2.3-million expansion and adaptive reuse project, according to a news release. The new space includes a retail café, outdoor learning space, and a support office building.

  • Houston-Area High School Receives Best Project Award from ENR

    Tomball West High School near Houston, Texas, recently received a K–12 Education Best Project Award in Engineering News-Record’s 2026 Texas & Southeast Best Projects Awards, according to a press release. The new facility was completed in May and opened its doors to students for the fall 2026 semester.

  • St. Lucie County, Fla., Breaks Ground on New K–8 School

    St. Lucie Public Schools in St. Lucie County, Fla., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new K–8 school, according to a news release. The district partnered with Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc., for the design of the upcoming Ft. Pierce K–8 School, which comprises six buildings covering 215,000 square feet.