In an effort to reduce energy consumption on each of its five campuses, Oklahoma State University has implemented a new Energy Education Program, under the guidance of Energy Education, Inc. Energy Educator/Managers have been working with EEI consultants to develop a people-oriented energy management program designed to become self-sustained at each of the OSU campuses within four years. This comprehensive program promotes conservation of electricity, gas, and water. Measures are being taken to reduce consumption mechanically, however, additional savings will come from reductions due to the increased energy awareness of faculty, staff, and students. The program emphasizes reductions during unoccupied times and promoting behavior changes of "energy consumers" to "energy savers." To facilitate these changes, OSU recently established Energy Management and Conservation Policy #1-0520. In addition, OSU Energy Guidelines are now available for review online. The guidelines provide detailed steps that may be taken to reduce energy consumption on the OSU campuses.

Energy Educator/Managers (EEM) are key to the success of the Energy Education Program. Buildings on each of the campuses are assigned an EEM who is responsible for gathering data about energy consumption in the buildings. This includes learning about the operation of the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, and determining the occupancy patterns in each of the buildings. EEMs are also responsible for educating the occupants of each building on ways that their efforts can contribute to reducing energy costs at OSU. EEMs regularly perform energy audits in assigned buildings to look for energy savings opportunities around the clock, especially during predominantly unoccupied times of the day. In addition, EEMs provide energy report cards to building administrators, custodial staff, and others who may then share that information with building occupants to promote behavior changes that contribute to energy savings.

With regards to the Energy Education Program, Interim OSU System CEO and President Marlene Strathe stated, "EEI's program in no way requires us to compromise the university's research and education mission. We will not limit laboratory operations or disrupt classroom comfort. All students, faculty and staff will be asked to do their part, however, to conserve and help create a culture of conservation at Oklahoma State University and our campuses in Stillwater, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Okmulgee." She continued by saying, "OSU can become a model of thoughtful stewardship, not only for natural resources and the environment but also taxpayer and tuition dollars, if everyone at all of our campuses applies the same rationale."

Through the efforts of OSU Energy Educator/Managers and Energy Education Inc., and with the cooperation of OSU faculty, staff, and students, the Energy Education program is expected to save more than $22 million over the next seven years.

OSU is going green for a brighter orange!