FSU Joins ENERGY STAR Partnership

Fairmont State University is the first university or college in the state to be named an ENERGY STAR partner, which will help cut costs on utility bills and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.

A joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR is a dynamic government/industry partnership that offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions. Any public or private organization can partner to improve the energy efficiency of its facilities by committing to continuous improvement of its energy efficiency.

"Congratulations on your decision to join thousands of other organizations nationwide in recognizing the value of strategic energy management," wrote Caterina P. Hatcher, ENERGY STAR National Manager, Public Sector, in a letter to FSU President Daniel J. Bradley. "By making this commitment, Fairmont State University is on its way to improving both its fiscal health and use of energy resources while demonstrating environmental leadership."

FSU's Energy Manager is Tom Tucker, Assistant Director of the Physical Plant. Jennifer Okin, Technical Assistant, and Stephanie Slaubaugh, Technical Assistant, are assisting with the partnership.

"This is part of beginning the "green" initiative at Fairmont State," Tucker said. "Becoming a partner with ENERGY STAR allows us to evaluate ourselves in comparison to other organizations throughout the state and offers FSU access to tools and resources, such as the new WV Division of Energy Lighting Grant to begin the first of July. We want the community to know that we care about the environment and want to be part of the 'green' effort."

EPA's ENERGY STAR partnership offers a proven energy management strategy that helps in measuring current energy performance, setting goals, tracking savings and rewarding improvements. In joining the partnership, FSU has committed to do the following:
* Measure and track the energy performance of facilities where possible by using tools such as those offered through ENERGY STAR.
* Develop and implement a plan consistent with the ENERGY STAR Energy Management Guidelines to achieve energy savings.
* Help spread the word about the importance of energy efficiency to staff and the community.
* Support the ENERGY STAR Challenge, a national call-to-action to help improve the energy efficiency of America's commercial and industrial buildings by 10 percent or more.
* Highlight achievements with recognition offered through ENERGY STAR.

FSU has been making improvements to main campus buildings, such as switching out light ballasts for more energy efficient models. Sensors are being installed in rooms throughout campus to allow lights to turn themselves off when rooms are not occupied. FSU has been awarded a $22,415 matching grant from the West Virginia Division of Energy Lighting Grant Program to update and renovate lighting in Jaynes Hall and the Ruth Ann Musick Library.

Morrow Hall has been approved as the first residence hall in West Virginia to receive an ENERGY STAR Label. Morrow Hall scored in the top 25 percent using EPA's National Energy Performance Rating System to qualify for the label.

In general, FSU strives to use good energy management practices, such as routine energy efficiency benchmarking. A computer controlled HVAC monitoring system allows personnel to control temperatures and utilize equipment at the highest energy efficiency.

For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov.