UW called ‘Power Player’ of energy conservation

The UW has been selected as a Seattle City Light “Power Player” in the utility’s first annual Energy Conservation Achiever Awards.

The awards honor individuals, businesses and organizations that make reduced energy consumption a high priority. The UW was recognized for Facilities Services’ four-year partnership with City Light, which resulted in a $12 million investment to retrofit campus buildings with energy efficient electrical improvements and technology. This partnership is the greatest single energy conservation project in Seattle City Light’s history.

Energy savings measures included: Replacing older, less efficient incandescent and fluorescent lighting, providing occupancy sensors, and installing variable frequency motors for ventilation systems. These measures permitted the UW to avoid about $1.16 million in electrical costs annually.

“The credit for the extraordinary success of this project rests with the Campus Operations staff and with the Maintenance and Alterations Energy Conservation crew,” says Rick Cheney, director of maintenance and alterations. “They have been aggressive and efficient in updating the campus electrical systems, which has resulted in huge savings for everyone.”