Norfolk State began aggressive efforts in 2005 to undergo energy efficiency renovations and campus facility upgrades. An $11 million energy system renovation, which included installation of a new HVAC system and other measures improving campus cooling, heating, lighting and water use, was completed in 2006. Energy savings from the 2005-2006 renovations are estimated to be $1.4 million annually, according to the university.
School officials believe that energy savings from the shortened work week will contribute to helping the university weather the current economic downturn which has diminished state funding. This academic year, Norfolk State was hit with a 5 percent cut in state funding, which amounted to more than $2 million. Hoggard explains that it is not known exactly how much the university will save this summer but that savings will be carefully studied and calculated to measure the impact of the four-day week. It’s believed the summer savings will at least be in the ‘tens of thousands of dollars’, she says.
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