This past summer, the grueling heat once again reminded us all of how much we value our air conditioning (remember those days, when it wasn't freezing cold outside?). At Franklin College, the Hamilton Library has become a great escape for students from the hot and sticky conditions outdoors (and to study too, of course!). This is in large part attributed to the school’s decision to use an EECBG grant from our office to replace the original cooling tower for the library with a brand new one. School officials have noted a substantial increase in the number of library patrons since the project was completed in August of 2010. 
As the main academic library for the school, Hamilton Library is home to many rare documents and materials, and thus to more than a fair share of research papers as well. With such important work to be done, Franklin College recognized the importance of providing a comfortable, constructive work environment for students. And in addition to aiding with typical assignments and research, the project was also the subject of articles written by students from various majors. These students were able to learn more about energy efficient technologies and gain insight into the world of green energy. One thing they certainly learned was that great savings can accompany energy efficiency! As of April 2011 the school had already saved 318,203 kWh.We are grateful to all of the students and staff at Franklin College for being so excited about this great project and for allowing us to visit!
Franklin College is a recipient of an Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant (EECBG), a program of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. EECBG is funded through the U.S. Department of Energy and is administered by the Indiana Office of Energy Development.
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