For years, La Salle has been hard at work to make its campus greener. Through a partnership with Siemens, the University has completed 13 upgrade projects over the past two years, which include installing energy-efficient lighting in Connelly Library, residence halls, and classroom buildings, and converting outdated refrigeration and HVAC systems to newer, environmentally friendly models.

On Nov. 6, PECO recognized La Salle’s environmental efforts by presenting President Colleen Hanycz, Ph.D., with a $300,000 Smart Ideas rebate check.

“We are so pleased to be recognized by PECO for the many energy enhancements we’ve made on campus,” Hanycz said. “Not only do they provide significant cost savings, they make us better environmental stewards. In fact, these energy upgrades specifically answer Pope Francis’s call to address the pressing emergencies of climate change and environmental sustainability.”

Thanks to the recent campus improvements, the University will reduce its energy consumption by more 3.3 million kilowatt hours. According to PECO Communications Manager Ben Armstrong, that has the same environmental impact as removing 300 vehicles from the road or planting nearly 3,500 trees each year.