UK Board Approves President Capilouto's Evaluation, Receives Reports on Status of Energy Saving and Flood Mitigation Projects

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 11, 2012) — The University of Kentucky Board of Trustees approved a capital construction report today on a number of projects including the status of the Ameresco energy conservation project and the Nicholasville Road flood mitigation project.

Ameresco project

The university has completed its $25 million energy conservation and efficiency contract with Ameresco, an energy service company based in Louisville, Ky. Ameresco has provided comprehensive energy and water management analysis plans as well as energy and water-related capital improvement services. 

The project installed a wide variety of technologies focused on lighting, mechanical systems and water usage in 61 campus buildings. Efficiency improvements included lighting upgrades, water conservation, insulation, upgraded boilers, steam system improvements, domestic solar water heating, and HVAC system replacements. Energy savings are anticipated to average $2.43 million annually.

Along with the efficiency improvements to the buildings, the project included the innovative energy education and awareness website Empowered™ that is helping the university community fully embrace a more sustainable lifestyle to help reduce energy consumption even further. 

Nicholasville Road flood mitigation

An $8 million flood mitigation project is planned by the University of Kentucky in the area off Nicholasville Road between Alumni Drive and Shawneetown Drive.

Construction will provide 100-year-storm mitigation to prevent roadway overtopping, improving both traffic and pedestrian safety.

Additional storm water detention will be achieved by excavating the area between Alumni Drive and Shawneetown Drive. The work will entail the permanent removal of Shawneetown Drive and the relocation of existing utilities. Depending upon available funds and compatible water quantity design, water quality issues may also be addressed.

Funding initially included a $6 million FEMA grant with the $2 million balance being the in-kind value of 3.6 acres of UK land. However, the actual appraised value of the UK property was higher than expected, making possible an amendment for an additional $4 million grant filed for FEMA review. FEMA’s response and completed schematic designs are expected by October 2012.

In other business, the board approved UK President Eli Capilouto's performance evaluation, which showed a positive response to his overall performance over the past year.  The evaluation was conducted during the summer and involved a consultant interviewing trustees and other university constituents who rated Capilouto in a number of areas on a scale of 1-5 with 5 being superior.  The average score was approximately 4.3, which would have resulted in a performance incentive payment, however the president declined it due to recent economic conditions. The Board of Trustees Executive Committee decided to postpone any action on the incentive payment. 

The Board of Trustees today also elected officers.  Britt Brockman was re-elected chair; Pamela May was re-elected vice chair; and Sheila Brothers, staff trustee, was elected secretary.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Gail Hairston, (859) 257-3302, gail.hairston@uky.edu