Record Staff Report
St. Albert the Great Church, 1395 Girard Drive, is the winner of this year’s Kilowatt Cup award given by the Louisville Energy Alliance (LEA) — a non-profit organization that promotes energy efficiency and conservation.
The Kilowatt Cup is awarded to “recognize superior achievement in energy efficiency,” according to LEA’s website.
The award was presented March 22 during the Kilowatt Crackdown Awards Luncheon held at Big Springs Country Club on Dutchman’s Lane.
As part of the award’s application process, St. Albert submitted a 500-word essay explaining its achievements in energy management, obstacles and energy efficiency practices.
The essay says that a climate-control system for all seven parish buildings was installed seven years ago. The essay also said the parish is in the process of having the worship space and possibly the school ENERGY STAR Certified — meeting “strict energy performance standards set by Environmental Protection Agency.” Such buildings use less energy, are less expensive to operate, and cause fewer greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Energy Star website.
“We are very happy with our progress, but we do know that with this large of a facility it will take time to reach our goal” of becoming certified, said the essay.
Andrea Webster, one of LEA’s board members, said during a phone interview March 14 that energy professionals toured St. Albert facilities and reported the following:
- The parish has installed HVAC and lighting controls,
- Replaced an old boiler with two new, efficient boilers,
- Controls outdoor lighting,
- Replaced some roofing and added insulation to campus attics,
- Replaced several windows,
- And made efforts to review results, with plans to invest in more energy-efficient initiatives.
According to the essay, St. Albert has spent the last ten years working to make its facilities as energy efficient as possible.
