EKB News

KENTUCKY...

In an effort to reduce energy costs, the University of Kentucky is upgrading 61 campus buildings with modern lighting, new pipes, insulation and boilers and encouraging those on campus to turn out lights when leaving a room, consolidate several small refrigerators into a large one or wear a sweater at work. The work is estimated to cost $25 million, but UK officials say savings could amount up to $2.4 million a year. Bob Wiseman, UK’s vice president for facilities management, says more savings will be realized as energy prices go up. Louisville-based Ameresco, the company in charge of the retrofits, has done work for the state. The university's contract guarantees the annual savings will be enough to pay back the $25 million investment in a dozen years. If that doesn't happen, Ameresco is responsible for the difference.