SYLVANIA—Ohio Governor Ted Strickland announced Lourdes College is the recipient of a $976,798 grant through The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

The college was selected based on its ongoing commitment to reduce energy usage and fossil fuel emissions, and was among 14 organizations in the State of Ohio to receive grant funding through the ARRA’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant: Local Governments and State Energy Program.

The grant funding is to be used to install energy-efficient windows and a central air-conditioning system in campus buildings, and to decrease energy use in the Franciscan Theatre & Conference Center by installing occupancy sensors and controls, replacing motors with variable-frequency drives and replacing inefficient lighting fixtures.

These renovations are part of an ongoing commitment by Lourdes to make the campus more energy-efficient. In January, the college updated 2,147 square feet of glass windows throughout its campus. The college replaced 88 single-pane, 50-year-old steel casement windows with fiberglass windows that were Energy Star rated and recognized by the United States Green Building Council as a “green” product. Additionally, in 2007 Lourdes unveiled a new geo-thermal building that encompasses McAlear and Delp Halls.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act supports investments in energy-related programs and projects that create jobs and stimulate the economy while meeting long-term energy goals. These awards are part of the total $25 million allocated to the state of Ohio through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, which has $8.2 million for institutions of higher education and state government. Another $2.5 million is provided through Ohio's State Energy Program in support of these projects.