Ohio University Seminar to Share Energy-Saving Strategies

Contact: Jess Goode, (740) 593-1886 or goode@ohio.edu

ATHENS, Ohio (May 30, 2001) -- Public administrators looking for a cost-efficient way to renovate public buildings and at the same time cut energy costs should attend "Renewing Facilities through Energy Savings," Tuesday, June 5, in Athens, Ohio.

The seminar will detail Ohio University's energy-saving experience and help attendees learn how to make capital improvements in all types of facilities by taking advantage of performance contractors, companies that improve an organization's energy efficiency and are paid from a percentage of cost savings.

The university has partnered with VESTAR, which audits sources of energy over-consumption, determines where renovations can reduce energy costs, provides engineering services, supplies and installs new equipment, manages construction and arranges financing.

"With performance contracting, Ohio University has been able to make significant improvements in its public buildings while saving a huge amount of energy and money," says Terry Conry, director of Ohio University Facilities Management.

"There is no risk of out of pocket expense," says David Robb, project development manager of VESTAR and one of the seminar speakers. "Performance contracting enables clients to upgrade their buildings and use energy savings to pay for it."

For instance, as part of Ohio University's performance contract it replaced the heating and air conditioning and lighting in Alden library. "We had to disrupt the ceiling in the library to accomplish these added renovations," says Conry. "In the process, we [realized] it was cost effective to replace the entire ceiling, aesthetically improving the second floor of the library."

The seminar is geared to those responsible for public buildings and physical plants in need of renovations and energy upgrades. Attendees will learn how the university selected its energy partner, what the energy audits can reveal and what types of capital improvements fall under performance contracting as well as pointing out potential benefits and pitfalls.

"Renewing Facilities Through Energy Savings" will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ohio University Inn in Athens. Registration is $10 and includes the seminar and lunch.

To register, contact Terry Murphy, ILGARD, 143 Technology & Enterprise Building, Athens, Ohio, 45701; phone (740) 593-9381; fax (740) 593-4398; e-mail murphy@voinovichcenter.ohiou.edu.

For more information and to download a registration form, see www.ilgard.ohiou.edu/training/performance_contracting.html