Chippewa Valley Times

Barron County has received a grant from the Rural Energy Startup Program, in collaboration with UW-Eau Claire – Barron County. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission distributed the grant to reduce energy consumption and fossil fuel emissions while enhancing energy efficiency.

The funding will support an energy audit of five campus buildings owned by Barron County. A consultant will be hired to conduct the audit, which aims to prioritize building improvement needs and recommend ways to lower utility costs and enhance occupant comfort. The consultant's report may cover upfront and ongoing costs, projected energy savings, and return on investment concerning energy efficiency and electrification.

Dr. Abbey Fischer, the campus director at UW-Eau Claire – Barron County, expressed gratitude towards county administrator Jeff French, the Barron County Board, and UW-Eau Claire sustainability coordinator Lily Strehlow for their efforts in securing the grant. "The awarding of this grant is another illustration of the strong and collaborative relationship between the county of Barron and the university," Fischer stated. "With the energy audit, I expect we will identify specific methods for improving energy efficiency on the campus to save both resources and money."

Lily Strehlow highlighted that UW-Eau Claire has been striving to enhance energy efficiency across its campuses for several years. "Energy efficiency both reduces energy costs and reduces fuel use, which benefits the environment," she said. "This environmental leadership led by our facilities team embodies the campus sustainability commitment and provides experiential learning opportunities for students."