College of Charleston Named Energy Manager of the Year

^{Above (l–r): Energy Engineer John Holladay and Director of Utility Services John Gilley (Photo by Catie Cleveland)}

At the S.C. Tri Association of Facility Managers Conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, this week, the Association of South Carolina Energy Managers (ASCEM) bestowed the prestigious 2024 South Carolina Energy Project of the Year award upon the College of Charleston for its groundbreaking initiative, aptly named, “The Ultimate Energy Makeover – The College of Charleston Story.” The College of Charleston Energy Team was also named the Energy Manager of the Year.

Led by the College of Charleston Utility Services team, this ambitious project harnessed the expertise of the energy services team from Siemens. Together, they orchestrated a comprehensive energy overhaul that promises substantial benefits for years to come.

“This project represents a collaborative effort to create a sustainable future for our campus and the broader community,” says John Gilley, director of Utility Services in the College’s Facilities Management division. “We are proud to be recognized by ASCEM for our commitment to energy efficiency.”

Projected to save an impressive $28.1 million in energy and operational costs over the next 15 years, the project includes the following strategic upgrades:

• Building Automation Systems: Upgraded for peak efficiency
• Water Conservation Measures: Implemented to reduce water usage
• Building Weatherization: Enhanced insulation and weatherproofing
• Lighting Enhancements: Improved lighting across 111 campus buildings and 250 streetlights
• Steam System Upgrades: Optimized for energy conservation
• New Chillers and Boilers: Installed for increased efficiency

Already, the project has yielded significant reductions:

• Electric Consumption: Slashed by 17%
• Natural Gas Usage: Reduced by an impressive 36%
• Water Consumption: Curtailed by 27%

The energy savings achieved by this project translate to a significant reduction in the College’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. The 30% reduction amounts to 11,260 metric tons of CO2e, equivalent to removing more than 2,100 gas-powered cars from the road every year.

With a strong focus on sustainability, the College of Charleston remains dedicated to advancing sustainable practices and leading the way in energy management and environmental stewardship. This award underscores its unwavering commitment to a greener, more resilient South Carolina.

The Association of South Carolina Energy Managers is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting energy efficiency, education and collaboration across the state.