Governor Beshear, President Ransdell Announce WKU Energy Policy
Western Kentucky University is taking a major step toward reducing energy consumption and making a positive impact on the environment.
Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear and WKU President Gary Ransdell today announced the adoption of a comprehensive Energy Policy for WKU that outlines individual and University responsibility for energy management. The policy, developed by the WKU Sustainability Committee's Energy Conservation Task Force, has been approved by the University's Administrative Council and takes effect immediately.
"This Energy Policy is the result of collaboration across the campus community," Dr. Ransdell said. "It is comprehensive in scope and is intended to guide the university in responsible use of energy through personal conservation, responsible purchasing, efficiency in building design and management, transportation and education and awareness. Personal responsibility is emphasized throughout the policy directive."
Dr. Ransdell added that the policy is a significant part of a larger effort toward sustainability at WKU. "This effort will engage the entire campus community and includes changes in the way we live, learn, work and do business," he said. "Recognizing that universities are the places where innovative solutions are born, the WKU campus is being used as a living laboratory for energy efficiency and conservation efforts. Through this policy and other efforts, we are encouraging students, faculty and staff to apply ideas and research to advance sustainability."
Gov. Beshear said WKU's new policy compliments two state-wide initiatives announced in February. The first requires new and renovated public facilities to be designed according to nationally recognized energy efficiency standards. The second requires certain existing state-owned facilities to reduce energy consumption by setting back their use of lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning during down periods.
"I am pleased WKU is implementing a comprehensive energy policy that fits so well with the state's strategy as outlined in Intelligent Energy Choices for Kentucky's Future,'" Gov. Beshear said. That strategy calls for a 25 percent reduction of energy use and a 50 percent reduction in carbon footprint at state facilities by 2025.
"Government and higher education can realize significant savings and make a lasting positive impact in the environment while setting the example for the citizens of Kentucky and beyond," he said.
"While examining the policy, something in the beginning pages caught my eye. A few bullet points plainly stated, Be Proactive' and Never assume that others will take these steps for you.' This is what it is all about - personal responsibility and common sense actions," Gov. Beshear said. "Unplugging inactive appliances, turning the lights off when you leave a room, turning your computer off at the end of the day, setting your thermostat at a lower temperature, not leaving the water runningnot one of these modest steps is in anyway strenuous or time-consuming.
"Dr. Ransdell, I applaud you and WKU for not only advocating changes in your everyday energy practices but also for challenging yourselves to meet some very strict standards. I know that Hilltoppers are very partial to their red, but I am very excited that you are going green."
John Osborne, WKU's vice president for Campus Services and Facilities, said WKU has already realized remarkable success in stabilizing campus energy use through temperature setbacks and building management.
"As of February, WKU has decreased energy use by more than two million kilowatt hours over the same period in 2007-08," he said. "However, the cost of this electricity is more than half a million dollars higher for that same period." (Utility consumption can be monitored from the WKU Energy Homepage.)
WKU realized significant savings during a "hard shutdown" over the winter break. That energy savings experiment resulted in an energy reduction of 1,052,932 kilowatt hours of electricity, 1,112 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, with a cost avoidance savings of $128,340 for the three-week period.
In addition, Osborne said WKU has been involved with the Kentucky Energy Efficiency Program for Schools (KEEPS) since its inception and the Energy Policy was developed in alignment with the mandates of House Bill 2, 2008 legislation promoting efficient energy usage in state buildings. WKU has also partnered with Johnson Controls in an Energy Savings Performance Contract to address inefficiencies in older buildings.
Sara Ferguson, a junior from Springfield, Tenn., and student sustainability educator for Housing and Residence Life, said, "Everyone at WKU is eager, ready and supportive of making our campus more sustainable. This energy policy gives all the staff and faculty the framework to start our path toward a greener campus."
Ferguson, who is also a member of the student-led environmental group the GreenToppers, said students involved in environmental issues can be proud of the foundation the Energy Policy creates at WKU, a foundation that will last long after they graduate.
"We go to a university that fosters us to become actively involved in our communities, cultivate our passions and teaches us the principles of sustainability and environmental justice," she said.