Nov. 9, 2003 — In keeping with the theme of Energy Awareness Month, the University of the Virgin Islands is proud to announce the results of sustained conservation efforts over the past year on each of its two campuses.
The St. Thomas campus has reduced its electrical usage by 6 percent. This reduction in electrical consumption has occurred as the result of window and lighting replacements and the installation of energy-efficient air-conditioning equipment.
On the St. Croix campus, electrical usage has been reduced by 2.5 percent, while the amount of usable electrical space has increased. Motion sensors that allow lights to automatically turn off when rooms are not in use have been installed in St. Croix classrooms.
"We're starting to see results," said Pat O'Donnell, UVI's capital projects director, in a release.
O'Donnell and Peter Abrahams, UVI's St. Croix campus business and facilities services director, have been passionate about instituting cutting-edge energy conservation initiatives on both campuses. They have proposed an aggressive energy conservation campaign for the coming year that will utilize both wind and solar energy.
Solar energy is already being utilized in the newly refurbished South dorm on the St. Thomas campus, which no longer has conventional hot-water heaters. In addition, the placement of a wind generator is planned for the St. Thomas campus in the near future.
To obtain more information about UVI's commitment to energy conservation, contact O'Donnell at 693-1531.
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