Ohio University Signs Energy-Savings Contract With Vestar

Editors: A photo of the contract signing is available at: www.ohiou.edu/news/pix/VESTAR.JPG

Contact: Sherwood Wilson, (740) 593-2932; Sarah Calderwood, Vestar, (416) 756-1455 ext. 339

ATHENS, Ohio (April 4, 2000) -- Ohio University has signed a $25 million contract with Vestar of Cincinnati to complete a five-phase energy performance project to reduce energy and operating costs and improve the working and learning environment on campus.

New lighting, heating and ventilation systems, water conservation and upgraded controls and building automation systems are among the innovations that will result in a projected $2.5 million in annual savings to the university. The annual savings will be used to fund the project over 10 years.

Water-saving fixtures and the replacement of 9,000 exit signs with exit lights that use 80 percent less energy and last 25 times longer are examples of the project's energy reduction measures.

This innovative approach allows the university to improve campus facilities without using any new funds," said Sherwood Wilson, associate vice president of the university's Facilities and Auxiliaries.

In addition to reducing energy and operating costs, the project will replace aging building systems, allowing Ohio University to avoid more than $10 million in capital expenditures over a 10-year period.

"This is an exciting initiative because once the project pays for itself, the savings can be directed to further enrich the education of students," said David Robb, project development manager at Vestar.

Ohio University selected Vestar (formerly Rose Technology Group) to be its partner after a year of evaluating more than a dozen bids from major companies.

"We are excited about partnering with Ohio University for this project," said Ian Jarvis, executive vice president of Vestar. "Ohio University's Facilities Management is one of the most progressive and innovative groups that we have worked with. They are truly committed to taking a leadership role in making campus facilities sustainable for the long-term."

Ohio University's Board of Trustees approved the motion for Facilities Management to move forward with the contract at their October 8, 1999 meeting. Ohio University and Vestar signed the contract Monday, April 3.

"The project also will have a positive effect on the natural environment," said Gene Mapes, director of environmental studies at Ohio University. "The increase in our energy efficiency will substantially reduce the emissions that cause smog and acid rain."

Vestar is a newly formed company resulting from the 1999 merger of Rose Technology Group and Cinergy Business Solutions. Vestar brings together the strengths of Cinergy Business Solutions' innovative services to industrial customers with Rose Technology Group's experience and expertise in implementing facility and infrastructure solutions for institutional and commercial clients.

Vestar is an affiliate of Cinergy Corp., one of the nation's largest diversified energy companies.