Campbellsville University, a private university and academic home to more than 12,000 students, is nestled in the heart of Campbellsville, Kentucky. In 2018 the university broke ground on what would become one of its most visible and multifunctional buildings—the E. Bruce Heilman Welcome Center. Once open, the center would serve as the “front door” to campus for prospective students, families, and guests.
Trevor McWhorter, Director of Business Operations at Campbellsville, explored opportunities to enhance the building’s efficiency and applied for several rebates through LG&E and KU’s Business Rebates program. These rebates included Lighting Power Density Reduction, Advanced Lighting Controls, Constant Volume to Variable Air Volume System and more.
“At Campbellsville University, we’re committed to operational stewardship that supports both our mission and our bottom line. The rebates—tied to the Heilman Welcome Center—reflect that commitment,” said McWhorter. “Through this project and our collaboration with KU, we’ve realized ongoing savings in addition to those received through the Business Rebates program. This project provided meaningful savings, but more than that, it highlights how higher education can thrive when we work in true partnership with our energy providers. These efforts show what’s possible when institutions and industry come together with shared goals for efficiency, sustainability, and service excellence.”
As a result of these energy efficiency measures, Campbellsville University earned more than $15,000 in rebates—critical savings that helped the university manage a tight construction budget. McWhorter also noted that the process was straightforward, thanks to the support from KU and the program’s business partner, Resource Innovations. Their hands-on assistance throughout the rebates program minimized the workload for the university’s lean operations team.
Beyond the immediate financial benefit, the upgrades will lead to long-term energy savings. The Heilman Welcome Center, which opened in January 2024, will now save an estimated 315,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually—equivalent to the energy use of approximately four buildings in the university’s Residence Village.
Campbellsville University’s experience with the program highlights how a little research and collaboration can lead to significant results—for budgets, sustainability, and campus operations.
Class dismissed!
