Energy Conservation Program Increases Energy Awareness

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 6, 2016) — In an effort to reduce energy consumption, the University of Kentucky implemented an energy conservation program on July 1, 2016. The program promotes energy conservation through optimization of electricity, cooling and heating systems. Optimization is achieved by adjusting heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems to match events and occupancy in campus facilities. Additionally, the program will increase energy awareness of the UK community through presentations, promotional materials and social media.

One of the keys to the success of the program is the campus energy specialists. The energy specialists will gather data and monitor energy consumption in facilities. They will determine occupancy pattern information in each facility and apply knowledge about the operation of HVAC systems to optimize the building environment in an effort to reduce energy costs. The energy specialists will also perform energy audits in buildings to find energy savings opportunities around the clock with an emphasis on those periods when the building is unoccupied. 

While the energy conservation program is designed to save utility dollars, it will not do so at the risk of compromising the university's education and research mission. All students, faculty and staff are asked to do their part to help create a culture of conservation at UK.

UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to: uky.edu/uk4ky. #uk4ky #seeblue

MEDIA CONTACT: Blair Hoover, 859-257-6398, blair.hoover@uky.edu