U of A Project Saves Money, Energy, Resources

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Solar panels installed on HPER building as part of Razors EDGE project

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas saved $3.7 million in energy costs between 2012 and 2013, the second year since completing the Razors EDGE project. The savings were 24 percent more than originally expected.

Razors EDGE – standing for “Efficiently Delivering Green Energy” – was a $30 million project designed and installed by Energy Systems Group, a leading energy services provider and wholly owned subsidiary of Vectren Corp. (NYSE: VVC). The goal was to cut energy use and make over-due improvements to 73 buildings on the U of A campus. The project was started in 2008 and completed in 2011.

The university’s contract with Energy Systems Group guaranteed that the improvements would reduce campus energy consumption by 30 percent, with energy savings over a 13-year period covering the cost of the project.

For the second year in a row the results of the Razors EDGE project have topped that guarantee. According to facilities management figures from 2012-2013 the university saved approximately $715,000 more than the guaranteed level.

“This is an excellent result for the university, both financially and environmentally,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “Energy Systems Group has done a great job helping us reach our goal of being a carbon-neutral campus by the year 2040.”

The Razors EDGE project has effectively cut the U of A’s carbon footprint by more than 18,800 metric tons of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of reducing emissions from 4,000 vehicles.

“It’s really no surprise that this project is delivering as promised – and beyond,” said Mike Johnson, associate vice chancellor for facilities. “Razors EDGE is providing the university a very solid foundation for building our continuing sustainability efforts.”

“We commend Mike Johnson and the U of A facilities team for their exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing sustainability,” said Steve Pride, ESG senior vice president. “We are proud to be part of the university’s continued success in energy conservation and infrastructure modernization.”

About ESG

Energy Systems Group (ESG), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vectren Corporation, is a leading energy services provider that specializes in energy efficiency, sustainability, and infrastructure improvement solutions in the government, education, healthcare, commercial, and industrial sectors. ESG also offers a full range of sustainable infrastructure solutions including waste-to-energy, distributed generation, and renewable energy. ESG has steadily expanded its geographic footprint and service offerings for 20 years. The company employs 250 people and is licensed to operate in 46 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. To learn more about ESG, visit www.energysystemsgroup.com.