On September 1, 2017, Florida State University entered into a multiyear contract with Cenergistic LLC to build a customized energy conservation program. The program goals include conserving energy, saving dollars the university can reinvest, preserving a quality learning environment for students and increasing awareness to empower energy users to be energy savers.

In recent months, we have been working with Cenergistic to develop Program Guidelines.  While these guidelines are not intended to be all-inclusive, they will form the core of Florida State University’s energy conservation program.  The guidelines generally define the role of Cenergistic’s energy specialists and describe how FSU team members will participate.  Over the life of the five-year contract, Cenergistic will perform on-site, ongoing assessments of the university’s facilities and deliver recommendations specific to its environment. Cenergistic’s energy specialists will primarily be responsible for identifying savings opportunities and working closely with university staff to implement strategies linked to energy consumption.  The Program Guidelines will be used to keep both organizations focused in areas likely to achieve results.

The agreement is hinged on a shared responsibility concept in which Cenergistic provides extensive resources, education and on-site training, action planning and other services with the commitment that the university will cooperate to implement the new FSU energy conservation program.  There will certainly be questions as we work together towards program implementation.  As you communicate with others in our organization or with the energy specialists, please take into consideration the following:

• We intend to preserve a quality learning and research environment.  Many of Cenergistic’s activities will use tools to identify systems that are not operating correctly.  The audits will identify systems or schedules that are potentially wasting resources.
• We must continue to be good stewards of our resources.  Resources saved can be used by the university in other areas to meet specific needs.
• The program is an extension of a continuous improvement process.  As FSU continues to strive towards the goal of being a Top 25 public research university, we need to challenge ourselves to be excellent in all areas, including energy conservation.

As you develop more specific questions, consider the following resources:

For executive level questions related to the program, please contact Kyle Clark, Vice President of Finance & Administration.  For all other program questions, contact Jim Stephens, Executive Director of Utilities, Maintenance, & Engineering Services.

A copy of the Program Guidelines can be viewed at:
https://www.facilities.fsu.edu/depts/utilities/energy.php

In the coming months, many of you will be interacting directly with a Cenergistic energy specialist.  This partnership is a key part of our strategic plan to reduce our overall footprint and build a university-wide culture of environmental care.  We each have an exciting role to play.