OSU energy savings approaches $15M

Friday, February 25, 2011

Oklahoma State University is approaching $15 million in energy savings across all of its campuses as a result of the energy conservation program launched in 2007 in partnership with Energy Education. 

“In the midst of economic and budget challenges, our energy conservation program has been a huge boost to our ongoing cost containment efforts,” said OSU President Burns Hargis.  “These savings have allowed us to focus dollars on academics and other focus areas.  The energy savings have been possible thanks to the enthusiastic support of employees and students.”

Through December of 2010, the conservation initiative had saved nearly $14.7 million in energy costs since July of 2007.  The university has saved more than $12 million on the Stillwater campus, savings that have allowed the university to open five new or renovated buildings in Stillwater without increasing the overall maintenance and operation budget.

The buildings are the North Classroom Building, the Multimodal Facility, Murray Hall, Old Central and the Henry Bellmon Research Center.

In addition, 11 OSU residential halls have earned the Energy Star label as a result of OSU’s efforts.

OSU also has partnered with Johnson Controls to perform various improvements that are reducing energy consumption across campus. That work includes lighting retrofits, HVAC upgrades and the installation of vending machine “misers.” During the last four months of 2010 OSU saved more than $44,000 through these efforts.  Phase two of the initiative will include the replacement of steam tramps and exterior lighting.

 OSU Campus Savings

July 2007-December 2010
OSU-OKC                     $687,912
OSUIT                            $559,763
OSU Stillwater                $12,080,128
OSU Tulsa                      $708,186
OSU CHS                      $641,795

Total                            $14,677,784