GRCC on track to save $6 million in energy expenses over eight years

By Sharon Hanks

Officials at Grand Rapids Community College sat up and took notice after being told they could save $6 million in energy costs over eight years by following a conservation plan.

After implementing the plan two years ago, the college has saved more than $1 million in energy costs and is now track to reach the total $6 million goal in the eight-year time frame.

"We knew there were energy savings (available), but it was just a concerted effort by the president on down to get full support from the campus," says Thomas Smith, GRCC executive director of facilities. "It wasn't just one person trying to run the program. The primary thing is educating people on what we can and cannot do."

The plan was put together by Energy Education Inc., a Dallas-based energy conservation consulting company that provides on-site assessments and customized recommendations in energy savings, cost avoidance and rebates to schools and hospitals throughout the country.

The unusual aspect of the program is that the company guarantees results in writing as part of its contract. GRCC's Education Manager Dorothy Burns coordinates the local effort and educates college employees on ways they can change their behavior that will translate into savings.

Smith says changes in heating and cooling offered big results, such as consolidating classes in fewer buildings to avoid climate adjustments and lowering the heat at night. Replacing light bulbs with more energy efficient ones was another change.

Smith says that when one considers the vast number of rooms the college maintains in its 22 buildings, the savings "add up quickly."

Last year Energy Education awarded the GRCC its Good Stewardship Award. The company itself has received an Energy Star Partner of the Year award in 2009 and 2010.

Sources: Thomas Smith, Executive Director of Facilities, Grand Rapids Community College; Vicki Hudson, Associate Director of Communications, Grand Rapids Community College; Energy Education, Inc.'s website

Sharon Hanks is innovations and jobs news editor at Rapid Growth Media. Please send story ideas and comments for the column to Sharon at [email protected]. She also is owner of The Write Words in Grand Rapids.