Meredith Receives Grant for Conservation Efforts

Meredith’s Facilities Department recently partnered with the Jesse Ball duPont Fund to support conservation projects on the Meredith campus. Because of a long standing relationship with the duPont Fund, Meredith applied for, qualified for, and received a grant of $125,000. The grant was used to establish a Green Revolving Fund (GRF), which will become a permanent resource on campus providing reliable capital for conservation initiatives. It will ensure future leaders and members of the campus community remain focused on this type of work.

Meredith also contributed another $27,000 to the fund, from previous utility and sustainability savings.

Savings from the conservation projects will go toward repaying the GRF and supporting future conservation projects. Establishment of the Green Revolving Fund also serves as a vehicle for Meredith alumnae and other foundations and organizations to contribute to Meredith energy conservation efforts.

Currently, multiple projects funded by the GRF, are underway in the Science & Math Building, Jones Hall, Carlyle Campbell Library, and the residence halls. Energy reductions from these projects include scheduling of temperature setbacks on weekends, holidays and breaks, reduction of motor speeds based on building loads, and the ability to monitor building energy usage to determine optimal operating conditions.

The result of these projects will include a significant annual reduction of 613 tons of Co2 emissions and savings of more than $50,000 a year in energy costs. All of the projects are scheduled for completion by the end of March 2017. For news on past and current projects, visit the Energy Management section of MyMeredith.

Special thanks to Cindy Godwin, the Aramark Facilities team, and maintenance staff for all their efforts in securing and implementing these important conservation projects, which demonstrate Meredith’s continuing dedication to the environment and sustainability.

—Submitted by Dave Lyons, Meredith Energy Manager

Melyssa Allen

News Director
316 Johnson Hall
(919) 760-8087
Fax: (919) 760-8330

allenme@meredith.edu