Located deep in the mountains close to the Bell and Leslie county line, Kentucky, Red Bird Mission is almost a town in itself. The campus hosts a high school, clinic, community store, dorms, affordable housing, cabins for mission volunteers, and a variety of other services – all vital to this area of the mountains. With electricity costs rising, Red Bird knew that they had to do something to keep costs down, and called on MACED’s Energy Efficient Enterprises (E3).
For most enterprises, upgrading to LED lighting is one of the most cost-effective and easiest ways to reduce electricity bills, and this was no different for Red Bird. MACED’s Commercial Energy Specialist, Josh Bills, worked with Red Bird’s resident maintenance expert to show him how to switch out the school’s inefficient fluorescent lighting, and to install occupancy sensors so that rooms are not lit when they are empty. Check out the 30-second video below to learn more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85S75Km1BY0&feature=youtu.be
Red Bird was also concerned about the cost of running their very old boiler. After examining their utility bills, Josh discovered that even though the boiler was shut down during the summer, the school was still paying $1,500 per month to Kentucky Power! Following Josh’s recommendation, the school now shuts off electric service to the boiler during the summer, which saves over $6,000. This is money the school can now invest in a more efficient heating and cooling system.
MACED’s E3 staff continues to work with Red Bird on the HVAC for the school, and on opportunities for solar power on their large campus. MACED is proud to continue our support of this important institution. If you’re an Eastern Kentucky small business, non-profit or local government and want to lower your utility bills, E3 can work with you, too.
For more information, please visit the MACED Energy Programs webpage, call or email us today.
