December 14, 2010

Contact:   Stacey Schmeidel, 704/894-2798

Davidson, NC -- Davidson College is the recipient of one of this year's Power Partner Awards from Duke Energy.

The distinguished power partner award is given by Duke Energy to customers who go above and beyond to reduce their energy usage or implement innovative energy solutions to power their businesses.
"As the economy continues to put pressure on customers, it is critical that we help them save energy and save money," said Tony Almeida, Duke Energy's vice president of large business customers. "We are fortunate that our customers understand the value of working closely with our Duke Energy team to help provide creative and innovation energy solutions for their businesses."
Davidson's Power Partner award was presented to President Tom Ross at the meeting of Davidson's Sustainability Council.

Davidson was honored for retrofitting the Baker Sports Complex's operating infrastructure (including its HVAC system, controls and lighting) so that it could be included in Duke Energy's Smart Building pilot program. This program uses digital metering and communications technology to give customers more information, options and control over their energy use. In addition, energy use information from the retrofitted facility would integrate with a sophisticated centralized energy management system that is wired to most campus buildings. Officials use the system to manage the college's peak energy use and demand.

College officials signed on with Duke Energy and the Smart Energy pilot program. They also committed to a PowerShare® agreement and accepted more than $75,000 in energy efficiency incentives to retrofit the sports complex with up-to-date equipment and controls.

The retrofit will allow Davidson College to fully maximize the advantages of digital technologies. The real-time metering data and building automation systems will enable the college to manage its energy use more effectively than before.

Davidson is one of nearly 300 colleges and universities across the nation to have signed the Presidents Climate Commitment. In 2008, the college celebrated the Year of Sustainability, and undertook a series of initiatives to reduce the college's carbon footprint and increase awareness about sustainability. Since then, the college has saved money and made a positive environmental impact in areas ranging from food waste to plastic water bottles, paper, utilities and transportation.

For more information on Davidson's sustainability efforts, go to http://www3.davidson.edu/cms/x33358.xml.