UK cutting costs with energy-savings project

Posted: Thu 9:38 AM, Nov 22, 2012

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Officials at the University of Kentucky say an energy-savings project has cut costs at the school by more than $2 million annually.

Some of the changes made include a $16.2 million upgrade on mechanical systems, such as heating and cooling; $6.8 million on lighting; and $1.9 million to conserve water through means such as low-flush toilets.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports that UK has saved almost 14 million kilowatt hours of electricity and 37.6 million gallons of water and has reduced the amount of carbon dioxide released into the air by 23,291 tons each year.

Bob Wiseman, vice president of facilities at UK, said officials are also using the project as a way of "trying to change human behavior."

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