The two major facilities owned by Kentucky Venues--the Kentucky Exposition Center and the Kentucky International Convention Center--generate what a recent economic impact study estimated at $483 million in economic impact annually, including some 1,600 full-time positions in the community.
To keep pace with its evolving industry, the Kentucky State Fair Board, which governs these facilities, initiated an Energy and Efficiency Management Program in 2010 to reduce energy usage at the two venues. This also meant making them more comfortable and customizable for clients and patrons.
“We are always looking to improve our customer experience,” stated Sam Ruth, KEC’s executive director of Operations. “We look at projects that increase comfort levels for our patrons while saving money. We also look at the sustainability of existing systems and consider equipment that has longer life cycles and less maintenance needs.”
The two facilities have undergone a series of improvements over the past six years including; installation of a 750-ton high-efficiency chiller; new high-efficiency equipment pumps, motors and boilers; automated controls; and equipment that regulates the facility’s energy usage during certain times of the day.
“To remain competitive, it’s important for us to continually improve and invest in our facilities. That includes making energy upgrades,” said Ruth. “We appreciate LG&E working closely with us to identify facility upgrades. Rebates help reduce the first costs of equipment being replaced. We look at it as a discount to our projects.”
For information: LG&E-KU
Photo: Kentucky Exposition Center (Wikipedia)
