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NCDEQ recognizes WNC institutes for energy reductions

NCDEQ recognizes WNC institutes for energy reductions

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s State Energy Office recognized thirteen state agencies, universities and community colleges for their significant energy reductions and progress towards Executive Order 80’s goal. 

In 2018, Governor Cooper’s Executive Order 80 set a goal for cabinet agencies to reduce energy consumption by 40 percent per square foot from 2002-2003 baseline levels by 2025. Higher education institutions, K-12 schools and local government units have been encouraged to adopt the same goal. State Energy Office’s Utility Savings Initiative supports all state-owned buildings in achieving these targets. 

Awarded state agencies, universities and community colleges are recognized for their initiative to improve energy use in state-owned buildings. Such energy efficiency measures include LED lighting upgrades, building automation, HVAC enhancements and building envelop improvements.

The following WNC institutions were awarded for Fiscal Year 2022-2023:

• Western Carolina University for a 55% energy reduction from baseline, which is the highest reduction within the UNC System

• Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College for a 50% energy reduction from baseline

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• Blue Ridge Community College for being the most improved community college in comparison to the previous year’s reduction (15% improvement)

In addition, the following statewide agencies were awarded: 

• Department of Health and Human Services for a 39% energy reduction from baseline, which is the highest reduction among state agencies

• Department of Natural and Cultural Resources for a 38.2% energy reduction from baseline

• Wildlife Resources Commission for a 37.9% reduction from baseline and for being the most improved state agency in comparison to the previous year’s reduction (17.9% improvement)

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