Staff Members Save Georgia Southern $350,000 in Energy Efficiency

June 19, 2014

When Jesse Hopkins, electrical supervisor who works in Facility Services, learned about Georgia Power’s Commercial Energy Efficiency Program, an initiative to help companies reduce energy use and costs, he recognized an opportunity to save Georgia Southern University more than $350,000 over a five-year period. He realized it could be done by using light emitting diode (LED) bulbs instead of standard incandescent bulbs in eight of the campus housing complexes. ­­­

“I met this opportunity with excitement and a little disbelief,” said Hopkins. “To be honest, it sounded too good to be true. I think we asked a few times, ‘So, if we spend $77,700, you’re going to pay us $77,700 right?’” Working with Elke Dennis, a procurement specialist in University Housing, the two researched the program and set the project in motion. Over a four-week period, 10 Facility Services’ staff members worked to change out 10,000 standard 60-watt incandescent light bulbs to LED bulbs, thereby reducing energy consumption from 60-watts to 10-watts per bulb. “These two employees didn’t have to do that, but they wanted to look for ways to improve what we’re doing here at Georgia Southern,” said Michael Head, director of Residential and Auxiliary Services. “I’m really proud of them.” Hopkins and Dennis were recognized for their efforts on Wednesday, June 18 during Residential and Auxiliary Facilities’ monthly staff meeting. “I love working at Georgia Southern,” said Hopkins. Being able to work with Elke on this rebate made me feel like I could do something for the University to show that I appreciate all they’ve done for me.” Dennis added, “There is a sense of satisfaction in knowing my job makes a difference on campus.” During the meeting, representatives from Georgia Power presented a check for nearly $78,000 – the largest rebate Georgia Southern has received to date, and the same amount required to purchase the light bulbs initially. “We are proud of what Georgia Southern is doing and we want every customer to use every kilowatt hour efficiently,” said Tan Adams, Georgia Power area manager for Statesboro. “These rebate programs are a way that we encourage our partners to take advantage of the most recent, energy efficient technologies. By doing this, they’re not only saving money, but also investing back into our community.” Since 2012, Georgia Southern through its partnership with Georgia Power has received more than $140,000 in energy efficient rebates. “Georgia Southern is actually one of the larger schools in all of the Board of Regents to participate in this rebate program and take advantage of it,” said Jamarcus Brewer, coastal region account manager of ICF International, the firm contracted by Georgia Power to manage the day-to-day operations of the rebate program. “We’ve upgraded between 40 and 45 buildings on campus and I’ve worked with a number of Georgia Southern staff to help them with rebate applications for lighting upgrades, roofing and a number of measures,” he said. Dennis and Hopkins both say they have a sense of accomplishment in knowing their jobs make a significant difference.