
The University of New Mexico
NEWS RELEASE
Media contact: Susan McKinsey, 277-1989
(cell) 362-5530, mckinsey@unm.edu
August 14, 2007
The University of New Mexico Board of Regents today voted to support Lobo Energy, Inc. entering into a contract with energy conservation expert Energy Education, Inc. (EEI) to implement an energy conservation program at UNM. When fully realized, this program could potentially save significant amounts of money now dedicated to utility expenses.
According to EEI estimates, UNM could expect projected savings in excess of $50 million over the next ten years. That’s a 20% savings. Under terms of the proposed contract currently being worked out, UNM’s costs to implement the program are guaranteed. Should the university not save enough to cover the costs of implementation, then EEI will refund the difference between savings and costs. According to EEI, the majority of its clients actually exceed projected savings, resulting in larger net savings.
Based on its 21-year history of working with institutions, EEI would implement a comprehensive program aimed at developing a conservation culture at UNM, putting into place standardized best practices and programs that promote responsible energy management among students, faculty and staff.
The program is designed to ensure faculty and students are comfortable during class and scheduled activities, and that energy is used as needed, but not wasted.
“Rising energy costs are a constant drain on University resources. I believe we all have a social obligation to do everything we can to practice conservation,” said UNM President David J. Schmidly. “Money saved on utilities means more funds available down the road for our academic and research enterprise.”
EEI is based in Dallas, Texas. More than 840 public school districts across the United States have used EEI’s proprietary energy conservation program, which according to the company has resulted in an estimated $1.3 billion in cumulative and verified energy savings. Earlier this year, Oklahoma State University and the OSU System became the first higher education institutions to implement EEI’s program.
“Entering into a contract with EEI will clearly support President Schmidly’s signing of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment,” said Lobo Energy president Steve Beffort. “Our work with EEI will also fit nicely into our overall sustainability initiatives.”
Schmidly was one of the original signatories of Presidents’ Climate Commitment in June.
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