By Lilli Dubler, Building Kentucky
Over the last eight years, the University of Kentucky has realized remarkable success in energy efficiency through its Energy Program in Facilities Management. From fiscal year 2017 to 2025, while the university’s campus grew by 13.6 percent, energy use per square foot has decreased by an impressive 19.2 percent. This progress highlights the university’s commitment to strategic conservation, energy management and collaborative leadership.
Under the direction of Mary Vosevich, vice president for Facilities Management and chief facilities officer, the university partnered with Cenergistic to expand its energy management strategies. The results are notable: UK has achieved a cumulative $85.5 million in avoided energy costs university-wide, including $52.9 million for Education & General operations alone.
“The success of the Energy Program reflects the university’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and operational excellence,” Vosevich said. “The Energy Program has empowered us to approach energy management strategically by reducing consumption, boosting efficiency and making smart reinvestments that benefit the entire UK community. We’re proud of the progress and excited to build on it.”
Despite absorbing an average annual increase of 4 percent in commodity costs, the Energy Program has delivered strong financial outcomes, including:
- $10.8 million invested in utility infrastructure improvement projects over $100,000
- $8.2 million returned to the university in fund balances
- $15.4 million in unfunded or underfunded new square footage covered
- Strengthened budget resilience amid rising labor, chemical and utility costs
As UK’s campus continues to grow, the Energy Program has become a key tool in managing utility cost pressures. The university’s dedication to energy efficiency not only advances its environmental goals but also supports long-term financial sustainability.
