"Going green" pays off for new ISU-Meridian Health Science Center

Idaho Power Company has awarded Idaho State University a check for $21,858 for using energy-efficient features in the design and construction of the ISU-Meridian Health Science Cente, which opened in August.

"We are delighted," said ISU-Meridian academic dean, Bessie Katsilometes. "In designing and remodeling this building, we wanted to incorporate as many green features as we could. It was important to our faculty, staff, and students that we do all we can to promote a healthy and sustainable environment."

Energy-saving features include occupancy sensors that control lighting in classrooms and offices, high-efficiency exit signs and heat pumps, high-performance windows, and variable speed drives which regulate the amount of power needed to operate the building at designated times.

"These upgrades resulted in 157,383 kilowatt-hours in savings annually—enough energy to power approximately 12 average-sized homes in Idaho or plant 30 acres of trees," said Sheree Wilhite, Idaho Power commercial program specialist.

Wilhite applauded ISU’s commitment to energy efficiency because conservation saves customers money, helps preserve national resources, delays the need to build additional power facilities and helps keep energy costs affordable.

Katsilometes said she’d like to see the money re-invested in future projects at ISU-Meridian.