A-B Tech was one of 13 state agencies, universities, and community colleges recognized for reducing energy use and making progress toward a long-term energy reduction goal set by the state in 2018. At that time Governor Cooper set a goal for cabinet agencies to reduce energy consumption by 40 percent per square foot from 2002-2003 baseline levels by 2025.
A-B Tech was able to reduce its levels by 50 percent in 2022-2023 by taking measures such as replacing air conditioners and boilers with more efficient ones and replacing campus lighting with LED light bulbs. Director of Facilities Support Beth Green said, “We have to give kudos to plant operations,” Those guys are the ones doing this work.”
In Fiscal Year 2022-2023, North Carolina avoided $198 million in utility costs as a result of energy efficiency measures. Cumulatively, the state has avoided $1.96 billion in utility costs since 2002. In addition, statewide energy efficiency improvements have decreased greenhouse gas emissions. North Carolina avoided one million metric tons of carbon dioxide in greenhouse gas emissions in Fiscal Year 2022-2023 and 10.1 million since 2002.
Secretary Elizabeth S. Biser recognized the recipients and presented the awards today in Raleigh. “North Carolina’s state agencies and our partners in higher education are leading the way in reducing energy use in state facilities, setting an example of both environmental and fiscal stewardship of state resources,” she said.