CWU Receives Governor's Award For Energy Management

December 22, 2004

Contact: Bill Vertrees (509-963-1011/fax 509-963-1015/e-mail: vertreeb@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - When you consider the cost of higher education, books, tuition and salaries may be the first things that come to mind. However, another cost involves the utility bill for buildings, which can consume a significant portion of the annual budget. At Central Washington University, that cost is estimated to be $4 million annually.

"Minimizing that annual cost, while maintaining the comfort level on campus during the heating and cooling seasons, is a major goal of facilities management," Pat Nahan, CWU manager of resources and engineering, says.

For it's energy conservation efforts, CWU has received the Governor's Award for Excellence in Energy Management. During a Tuesday (Dec. 21) ceremony in Olympia, Gov. Gary Locke recognized eight state agencies, colleges and school districts that achieved the most significant and measurable energy efficiency improvements.

CWU was one of only two higher education institutions to receive the prestigious award.

"I work with all the universities in the state on energy management and, honestly, I can say that CWU stands out for its accomplishments," Clint Lougheed, Washington State Department of General Administration energy program manager, says. "Bill Vertrees (CWU senior director of facilities management) and his team have been so proactive in reducing their energy use. They are incredible stewards of public resources and they really are deserving of public recognition."

CWU was recognized for conservation achievements including:

• A 1998 partnership with a private energy service company to audit the campus for conservation opportunities;
• Nearly $25 million in energy efficiency upgrades to date completed through a combination of State Treasurer loans, Bonneville Power (BPA) incentives and capital dollars;
• A reduction in natural gas consumption of 18 percent, electrical consumption by 14 percent and water savings of nearly five million gallons per year; and
• Nearly $4 million in savings as a result of university conservation efforts.

The university projects an additional $22.9 million in utility savings over the next 20 years, and even more if electric and gas rates continue to increase.

To continue to improve the university's operational and utility efficiencies a Performance Operations Task Force has been established and charged with coordinating and implementing current and future conservation measures.

Task force members include Nahan, Gordon Althauser, systems operator; Ed Castaneda, computer maintenance technician; Rob Husband, high-voltage electrician; Dave Kopezynski, control technician; Dave Mataya, lead custodian; Marv Sterkel, mechanical insulation; Bob Tosch, facilities management director; and Mark Winterer, plumber, pipefitter and steamfitter.

Vertrees, Nahan, Castaneda, and Althauser went to Olympia Tuesday to receive the award on behalf of the university.

Locke told the award recipients, "I value and deeply appreciate your hard work, your leadership and your long-term commitment to greater efficiency, economic savings, and environmental stewardship. The challenges we face in moving toward a more sustainable Washington are significant. But you, every one of you, and the programs you stand behind inspire hope. You make me proud to live in Washington state."