Washington and Lee University
Whether they’re climbing on a roof or peering into a basement, Jane Stewart and Morris Trimmer (pictured right), the new energy education specialists at W&L, are looking for opportunities.
In March, W&L introduced the Energy Education Program to campus. It has partnered with Energy Education Inc., a Texas firm that helps educational organizations reduce energy consumption. “It will involve all members of the University community in changing habits affecting how we use energy resources in each building, office and classroom,” said President Ruscio. “Through all of our combined efforts, over time, it is predicted that we can reduce our carbon footprint by 30 percent and save $2 million per year in energy costs.” A key part of the effort is these two positions.
Trimmer and Stewart’s overall charge is to develop and monitor the University’s energy management in order to reduce utility consumption. This involves, among other tasks, completing energy-use audits of each facility on campus; providing educational information and promoting energy conservation; and maintaining records and comparative data of utility usage. The work takes them into every corner of campus, and at all hours of the night and day.
For Stewart, her new job is “a chance to touch something a little bigger.” Formerly the director of parent giving in the Development Office, she’s found that “the idea of climate change and environmental responsibility has become increasingly important to me personally over the past few years.”
Before taking on his new role, Trimmer was a system engineer in Informational Technology Services. When the Energy Education Specialists Spread the Word initiative debuted, he was pleased to know the University was taking its commitment to sustainability a step farther. “What we really need to change is how we behave, what we do as individuals,” he said.
On the job since June, the pair has been struck by the excitement and support of their colleagues. Said Trimmer, “It’s almost like everyone has been waiting for the moment to say, ‘OK, begin.’ Everybody wants this done and is paying attention.”
—Campbell Massie