Duke Energy names IU Bloomington a 2013 Power Partner

  • Nov. 14, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana University Bloomington is one of 18 organizations honored by Duke Energy as a 2013 Power Partner in recognition of their commitment to responsible energy use.

IU Bloomington is the only college or university chosen as a 2013 Power Partner by Duke Energy. Other honorees include businesses, a city government and three school systems. Many of these organizations have created national models for energy efficiency while reducing expenses and implementing behavioral changes.    

“IU Bloomington is committed to being a more sustainable campus through both academic and operational initiatives,” said Tom Morrison, vice president for capital planning and facilities. “We are honored that our energy conservation efforts are being recognized by Duke Energy with this award. Our energy-saving programs are an excellent example of what we are doing to educate and live more sustainably at Indiana University.”

“Duke Energy congratulates the 2013 Power Partner award winners,” said Joni Davis, vice president, large account management at Duke Energy. “This diverse group of winners demonstrates that smart energy usage is achievable by organizations of all sizes, across many industries. We applaud the examples set by these organizations.”

Indiana University Bloomington was recognized for implementing a portfolio of programs to reduce energy consumption, design and build highly efficient buildings, and collaborate to change energy consumption behaviors of all building occupants. The portfolio includes:

  • A Campus Master Plan that prioritizes sustainability with a goal of becoming a carbon neutral campus and a commitment to design all new buildings for LEED -- Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design -- Silver or Gold Certification.
  • Building improvements that include: switching to high-efficiency lighting fixtures with an estimated energy savings of $250,000 a year; and installing highly energy-efficient equipment and cool roofs, which led to almost $500,000 in monetary rebates.
  • The establishment of the IU Office of Sustainability and the Student Sustainability Council, housed in the E-House, which sponsor student education and outreach projects including twice-annual Energy Challenges that have saved an estimated 3.2 million kilowatt-hours of energy.
  • A Utility Information Project that includes metering of every building on campus and allows for the monitoring of each building's energy consumption and contribution to peak electrical demand.
  • Central Control Center efforts that constantly monitor electrical usage and make adjustments to system and building equipment to shave peak electrical demands.

Duke Energy established the Power Partner awards in 1992 to recognize large businesses that achieve exemplary results in energy efficiency, sustainability and business growth. The 2013 Power Partner winners will be recognized at individual award ceremonies this winter.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. 

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Steve Hinnefeld