Union College News

Congressional Candidate Tours Union Energy Project

Jim Holbert, a London resident and Independent candidate for Congress to represent Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District, visited Union College Friday to learn more about geothermal energy.

The political candidate requested a tour and briefing related to Union’s energy conservation initiative. The geothermal project, completed in 2007, is a major component of the initiative.

According to Holbert, alternative energy sources and environmental protection “are key points” in his platform. He found that “Union College’s use of geothermal energy for heating and cooling buildings is an excellent example of what can and should be done.”

Union’s geothermal energy project involved the placement of two well fields on campus. In total, the two fields contain 128 geothermal wells that take advantage of relatively consistent underground temperatures to heat and cool campus structures. Much of the $4,200,000 cost of the project will be recovered through savings in energy costs over time. Union contracted with Energy Systems Group, based in Indiana, to plan and install the geothermal system.

Holbert is an emergency medical services helicopter pilot and former Army and Coast Guard pilot. His campaign website can be found at www.jimholbert2008.com.

For more information about Union College or the geothermal energy project, visit www.unionky.edu.

April 16, 2008

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