ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio Gov. Bob Taft announced today that Ohio University's Facilities Management is one of eight winners of the 2001 Governor's Award for Excellence in Energy Efficiency. Taft will host a Nov. 14 luncheon honoring the winners at the Statehouse Atrium in Columbus.
The Governor's Award for Excellence in Energy Efficiency recognizes individuals, businesses, industries and organizations that use innovative approaches to improve energy efficiency, the environment and Ohio's economic competitiveness. The Ohio Department of Development's Office of Energy Efficiency, which coordinates the annual award, selects the winners considering the categories of innovative technology, innovative design, and educational programs.
Facilities Management and its partner, Vestar Inc., received the award because of the $25 million project Campus Renewal Program they initiated in spring 2000. The five-phase project is designed to improve campus facilities, provide savings and create a better working, learning and living environment at Ohio University. After the five phases are completed, the university will realize $2.5 million in utility savings per year.
The state applauded the partnership for its efforts to increase the education and awareness of the program on campus through the use of meetings, newsletters and incentives.
Facilities Management received special mention for its pollution control measures at its Lausche Heating Plant. The implementation of a new $6.4 million coal-burning technology at the plant will allow coal to burned more efficiently and cleanly. Burning coal to produce steam for the campus will be 84 percent less expensive than using natural gas. Another benefit is that more of Ohio's high-sulfur, low-cost coal can be burned, which will result in economic benefits for both the university and the state.
"Facilities Management is proud to be recognized for our efforts to operate campus facilities in a responsible manner relative to both the environment and cost," said Director of Facilities Management Terry Conry. "This project has reduced our consumption of every type of energy resource - electricity, water, steam and natural gas. We also are moving forward into new areas of energy conservation by considering alternative fuel sources such as photovoltaic, geothermal and solar power for our new Innovation Center."
For more information, call Office of Energy Efficiency Information Specialist Bridgette Mariea at (614) 466-6797 or Ohio University Media Specialist George Mauzy at (740) 597-1794 or mauzy@ohio.edu.
