Fairmont State recognized by Higher Education Policy Commission for energy cost savings

Fairmont State University has been recognized by the Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) during their June 22 meeting for identifying and implementing energy cost savings at the University. Assistant Vice President of Facilities and Capital Projects Tom Tucker and Construction Manager Stephanie Slaubaugh led the initiative for Fairmont State. 

“The Fairmont state facilities team has been working to reduce energy consumption for over a decade,” said Tucker. “By looking at the campuses performance, we can identify opportunities for savings through operational improvements, and system optimizations, as well as capital upgrades. Several initiatives include: LED lighting, high efficiency HVAC equipment, scheduling HVAC equipment around building usage to national standard temperatures, and motion sensors for lighting.”

This is not the first time Fairmont State has been a leader in re-envisioning energy consumption. Tucker and Slaubaugh have worked with Jim King, HEPC Director of Design and Planning, on the Chancellor’s Initiative for Sustainability & Energy Efficiency. The motto that guides their work is “Money for education, not energy.” 

Mr. King recognized Fairmont State’s energy efforts and last year Fairmont State University hosted the WV High Performance School Buildings Day. Educators, architects, engineers, and other interested parties from all over WV, KY, PA and OH attended. 

“Our green approach goes beyond utility consumption; it is a way of operation,” said Slaubaugh. “From fuel efficient vehicles and low flow water fixtures, to educating the campus community on how they can help contribute. We have even switched our campus flowers from annuals to perennials. In the end we are saving dollars, helping with runoff, and beautifying campus.”

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