University recognized among 2015 Duke Energy ‘Power Partners’

UNC Charlotte is one of 14 organizations selected by Duke Energy for its 2015 Power Partners award. This year’s winners of the coveted award are being recognized for their responsible energy use and for creating lasting value for their organizations and the communities they serve through a number of inventive projects.

The University was applauded for a commitment to install the necessary infrastructure to continue to work as a world-class research institution – and for insistence on being a good environmental steward in the process.

“A campus-wide commitment to reducing our energy consumption and our carbon footprint were among the efforts needed to achieve these reductions,” said Tony Schallert, University energy manager.

Multiple buildings on campus have received energy enhancements during the past several years. These include energy efficient motors, lighting retrofits, building control enhancements and chiller and boiler replacements. The University recently completed an energy saving performance contract on six buildings. In the past two years, there has been a five million-kWh reduction in energy usage.

“This award is the result of a team effort by the entire campus community,” said Phil Jones, associate vice chancellor for facilities management. “It reflects UNC Charlotte’s commitment to being good stewards of the environment and a role model for the community in sustainability. An added benefit to our successful energy program has been significant cost avoidance achieved through the reductions. This has freed money to be applied to academic and other programs on campus.”

Duke Energy established the Power Partner awards in 1992 to honor businesses and other entities that achieve exemplary results in energy efficiency, sustainability and business growth.

“We are pleased to recognize these organizations for their wise use of energy,” said Chris Edge, Duke Energy vice president for large business customers. “It’s exciting to collaborate with them and witness firsthand how they add value to their customers and their communities.”

The UNC Charlotte and Duke Energy partnership will continue as energy needs change as the Blue Line expansion links the University more closely with Uptown and other key areas of Charlotte.

Each of the 2015 Power Partners will be recognized at individual award ceremonies.