OSU-Tulsa is Energy Efficient
Oklahoma State University-Tulsa has been named an Energy Star partner for its efforts to protect the environment and cut utility costs through energy efficient practices.
Energy Star, a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, is a dynamic government/industry partnership that offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions.
OSU-Tulsa President Gary Trennepohl said energy conservation is a priority for the university. “Our goal is to minimize OSU-Tulsa’s impact on precious energy resources, as well as reduce energy-related expenses that could be redirected toward our educational and research initiatives,” Trennepohl said. “We’ve made great strides in the last year and will work hard to continue those efforts.” In its first seven months of 2008, OSU-Tulsa saved $144,295, representing a 22.8 percent savings in energy costs. OSU has saved more than $2.2 million across its five campuses during the same time period. OSU began the energy conservation effort last year under the direction of Energy Education, Inc. (EEI), an energy conservation company founded by OSU alumnus Dr. William S. Spears. The national company specializes in people-oriented energy conservation services and has helped more than 950 clients save more than $1.6 billion in 23 years. More than 1,200 areas at OSU-Tulsa are analyzed and audited for conservation opportunities. Then conservation opportunities are turned into best practices, such as turning out lights and powering off computers. Shelly Johnson, OSU-Tulsa energy education manager, works with campus personnel to teach and encourage each person to conserve the energy. She uses equipment to record temperatures and other settings in buildings at various times through the day, then coordinates with physical plant personnel to make calculated adjustments. “Thanks to the commitment of our students, faculty and staff, we are making great progress in our goal to protect the environment, cut costs and conserve energy at OSU-Tulsa,” Johnson said. “We are continuously monitoring the university’s energy use, finding new ways to improve conservation and encouraging responsible energy practices. We are very pleased to be recognized as an ENERGY STAR partner for our efforts.”
Updated 02-23-2009
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