SLU Lands Conservation Grant

November 24, 2009

The Jessie Ball duPont Fund of Jacksonville has awarded Saint Leo University an $85,550 grant to help expand energy conservation measures at the main campus in east Pasco County. The university will begin the grant-related work in January, starting with the purchase and installation of electrical sub-meters in individual buildings, including the 12 residence halls, the Student Community Center, Student Activities Building, and two administrative buildings. The sub-meters will pinpoint the precise usage and cost of power at individual buildings––information not previously available in such detail to campus facilities managers. This data will help an advisory committee create on-campus public-information campaigns encouraging specific conservation measures.

Saint Leo University President Arthur F. Kirk, Jr. noted in the grant application that Saint Leo already has several conservation programs that have reduced water usage and food waste, and replaced incandescent lights with more efficient lights. The university considers the new duPont grant an opportunity to expand on its previous efforts, “while also offering educational opportunities to make our students better citizens who live the value of responsible stewardship,' Kirk wrote.

Saint Leo will share the knowledge it gains with fellow members of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida and other interested institutions.