University of Central Oklahoma lauded for energy program

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), May 15, 2008 by David Page

In 2004, the University of Central Oklahoma initiated a campus- wide sustainable energy program.

Four years later, UCO has received a series of awards for its multiple efforts to reduce energy use on campus.

There have also been economic benefits. Steve Kreidler, executive vice president, estimates UCO has saved $15 million since beginning its green initiatives in 2004.

This spring UCO was among 18 schools nationwide to be recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for buying renewable energy. UCO purchased more green energy than any other school in the Lone Star Conference for the second consecutive year.

UCO bought 26 million kilowatt-hours of renewable power and was honored at the Environmental Protection Agency's 2007-2008 College & University Green Power Challenge.

"This year's conference champions are leading the way and setting a great example for other colleges and universities across the nation," said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene.

Since the spring of 2007, EPA has ranked collegiate athletic conferences by the total amount of green power bought by their member schools.

UCO purchases 100 percent of its power from wind sources. It also has on-site biodiesel production, works with a performance contractor to increase its energy performance, and uses Energy Star- labeled products. UCO's green power buy is one of the largest by a college or university in the nation and has the equivalent environmental impact of avoiding the carbon dioxide emissions of more than 3,700 vehicles, according to the EPA.

UCO was also the first university in the region to win the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers' Best Practices Grand Finalist award two years in a row.

After winning a 2008 "Best Practices" award for its sustainability proposal, "Green University: Changing Tomorrow, Today" in January, UCO beat four other universities to win the title of Grand Finalist at this year's SACUBO Annual Meeting in New Orleans.

"Creative leadership is the catalyst that leads to innovative thinking, including, though not limited to, our advances with green energy," Kreidler said. "We are conscientious stewards of this world and act upon our convictions."

In December, Keep Oklahoma Beautiful presented UCO with the Vanguard Award for becoming 100-percent Green Energy dependant through its use of wind power, producing and using biodiesel fuel, making energy-efficient improvements to its physical plant, moving to paperless processes, and comprehensive campus-wide recycling.

UCO's Biofuel Program was honored with the 2007 National Association of Fleet Administrators award for Quality Fleet Management Idea.

UCO also received a 2008 Journal Record Innovator of the Year for developing a biodiesel production process. The biodiesel fuel is used in UCO's heavy equipment including tractors and backhoes. As an added environmental benefit, waste cooking oil used for the biodiesel fuel feedstock comes from Nigh University Center and Central Cafe at UCO and Edmond Memorial Hospital.

The Edmond school also won the Green Award for Sustainability at Oklahoma State University's Environmental Awards Reception for multiple efforts to incorporate green practices throughout the campus.

"It's our responsibility to be good stewards of our resources and to help decrease our country's dependence on non-green energy sources" Kreidler said.

"This is one of the many ways UCO is leading the way for our students, the community and future generations of Oklahomans."