UNC Asheville’s efforts to reduce campus energy use have earned two top awards – one for leadership and a second for performance – from North Carolina’s State Energy Office. The two awards were presented at the third annual N.C. Sustainable Energy Conference held recently in Raleigh.

The Utility Saving Initiatives Leadership Award went to UNC Asheville for its implementation of a number of energy-reduction efforts that emphasized teamwork and individual employee responsibility. In addition, the University was commended for bringing the expertise of its building maintenance technicians into the design phase of new campus buildings to aid architects and contractors in developing the best designs for maximum energy efficiency.

UNC Asheville was also awarded the Utility Savings Initiatives Performance Award for achieving the lowest per-square-foot energy consumption of all public universities in the western half of the state. The award recognized a number of energy savings initiatives, including upgraded mechanical systems, improved maintenance techniques for heating-and-cooling systems, and the replacement of windows in older building with new energy-efficient models.

UNC Asheville is continuing its energy-reduction efforts in the design of several new buildings on campus. The New Hall classroom building, which opened in February, includes a green roof that helps insulate the building, and geothermal heat pumps for heating and cooling. The Zeis Science and Multimedia Building, under construction, will incorporate significant use of natural light throughout the structure.

The new Facilities Management Complex, scheduled to open in December, will have a green roof, a rainwater catchment and reuse system, a groundwater recharge system, passive and active solar heating, and geothermal heating and cooling. The project is one of 15 state-constructed facilities participating in the N.C. State Energy Office’s pilot program that uses U.S. Green Building Council standards for innovative design, energy efficiency and environmentally responsible practices.