OSU encourages Earth Day participation; university saves big with energy conservation program

Friday, April 16, 2010

While Earth Day is recognized around the world on April 22, Oklahoma State University faculty, staff and students have great reason to celebrate for their participation in efforts to reduce energy consumption throughout the OSU system.

OSU has an active energy conservation program that has already achieved more than $9 million in savings since the program began in July 2007. That savings translates into significant numbers for Earth Day, too.

Since OSU began the program, energy consumption has been reduced by 580,000 MMBTUs. That reduction translates into the equivalent of 78,000 tons of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere, or 10,000 passenger cars removed from the road, or 2,000,000 trees planted.

OSU will continue its efforts during Earth Day and beyond, and invites the public to join in. There are a number of resources available to help individuals learn how to save energy in their own homes. (www.energystar.gov or www.facebook.com/osuenergy)

“It’s important for all of us to save energy. Not only does it save the university money, but it reduces our impact on the environment and conserves our natural resources. Earth Day is a wonderful way to celebrate what we have been doing throughout the year and focus our energy conservation efforts for the future.  Being good stewards of our state appropriated and tuition dollars as well as our environment is critical for the long-term sustainability of the university,” said Daniel Ferris, Director, Utilities and Energy Management at OSU’s Physical Plant.

The cost of utilities is one of the largest budget line-items for OSU, and the prices for electricity, natural gas and water have continued to fluctuate over the past few years. To combat anticipated energy and utility cost increases, OSU implemented a comprehensive people-based energy conservation program at each of its branch campuses in Stillwater, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Okmulgee.  Now in its third year, the Energy Conservation Program has proven to be a big success.   Even with a significant amount of square footage added at each campus, energy consumption has declined considerably.

During Earth Week, the OSU Energy Conservation Program will be actively involved in promoting greater energy awareness at the OSU-Stillwater campus.  “You Can Be An Energy Star” will be presented at the Earth Week Workshop series to be held Tuesday, April 20, from 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. in Classroom Building rooms 301, 303, and 321. 

An OSU Energy Conservation Program booth will also be available at ECO-OSU’s Earth Fest at the OSU-Stillwater campus Thursday, April 22, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tables will be set up just south of Willard Hall near Theta Pond and will include interactive displays of various types of lighting, a variable speed drive and fan motor, informative handouts, and free giveaways for all booth visitors.