by Carrie Draeger, ELCA News Service
St. Olaf College was named Minnesota's second most energy efficient
business by Xcel Energy. The public utility company recognized 10
companies and organizations for their efforts to conserve energy.
St. Olaf, located in Northfield, Minn., is one of 28 colleges and
universities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
St. Olaf saved 6.91 million kilowatt-hours of electricity last year. The
other recipients for electric efficiency saved a combined 80 million
kilowatt-hours of electricity -- enough to power 36 big box retail
stores, Xcel said in a recent press release. St. Olaf was also awarded
the top spot for natural gas efficiency with 417,840 therms saved.
The bulk of St. Olaf's energy savings came from Regents Hall -- a new
200,000 square-foot science building. The building uses lighting and
temperature control systems that reduce energy use in empty spaces, fewer
fume hoods, and reflective roofing materials that reduces the need for
air conditioning. All reduce energy consumption, according to the
St. Olaf Web page on the building.
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
