Kentucky Derby Museum wins with energy savings
From The Courier-Journal
Published 8:21 a.m. ET May 2, 2018
Most people familiar with the Kentucky Derby know it as “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” but after those two minutes are over and the garland of roses has been awarded, a record of what’s happened, the horses and people involved, must be maintained so the legacy of the mile and quarter horse race in Louisville, on the first Saturday every May, can live on. That’s where the Kentucky Derby Museum comes in.
With more than 230,000 visitors each year, the Kentucky Derby Museum is one of the premiere attractions in the region – celebrating the tradition, history, hospitality and pride that is the Kentucky Derby. The Museum’s interactive exhibits and pristinely maintained artifacts assist to accomplish its mission of engaging, educating and exciting people about the legendary race. But, Derby history isn’t the only thing its staff is interested in preserving.
“Efficient energy use is very important to the operation of the Museum,” said Kentucky Derby Museum President and CEO Patrick Armstrong. “Not only do we strive to make sure we’re creating a comfortable environment for our guests and employees, but in areas where priceless artifacts and works of art are displayed and stored, strict climate control is of the utmost importance.”
In an effort to keep the Museum’s 62,000 square feet, spread across three floors of exhibit and rental space, as energy efficient as possible while meeting its unique needs, museum staff began embarking on a series of energy-related upgrades in the fall of 2016. Changes include installation of a new automated HVAC system that allows for control of the venue’s air handling units and replacing more than 1,000 standard light bulbs throughout the facility with LEDs. Thanks to completion of the first phase of its lighting upgrades alone, the museum has already cashed in on more than $4,500 through Kentucky’s largest energy company’s Commercial Rebate Program and says it’s seeing a savings in energy costs as well.
Recent lighting upgrades at the Kentucky Derby Museum have already earned the venue more than $4,500 in rebates through the Commercial Rebate Program offered by Kentucky’s largest energy company. (Photo: Provided by LG&E and KU)
“Participating in the program has had a positive impact on our operations as well as the visitor experience. With the new automated control system, we can control and program our building’s climate on demand, and the LED bulbs give the museum a brighter and more inviting environment and have a five year guarantee, so we couldn’t be happier,” said Armstrong.
The Commercial Rebate Program is designed to help eligible commercial customers offset the cost of upgrading or installing high-efficiency equipment. The program offers the incentives for customers planning to make upgrades to their existing facilities such as high-efficiency lighting, A/C units, chillers, motors, pumps, variable frequency drives and custom categories as well.
The program also offers incentives for energy audits, new construction and major renovations, including Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, or LEED.
Learn more about Commercial Rebates Program by visiting the energy company’s website.
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