Virginia APPA 2025 Highlights

Optimum Energy recently attended the Virginia APPA conference in Williamsburg, VA, joining facilities leaders from across higher education to discuss the future of campus operations. As part of our commitment to supporting the next generation of facilities professionals, Optimum Energy is proud to have contributed to the organization’s scholarship fund.

A key highlight was our session, “(Kilo)Watt’s the Problem? Balancing Efficiency and Reality in Campus Operations.” Led by Director of Sales David Dykes and Senior Director of Business Development Andy Pahwa, this exercise took a hard look at the practical realities institutions face. Sustainability goals and operational budgets often pull in different directions, and aging infrastructure adds complexity. The discussion focused on how to manage costs and operational risks while implementing forward-looking, efficient systems.

Participants engaged in a candid conversation about the balance between chasing every incremental efficiency gain and making smart investments that truly move the needle. Dykes and Pahwa shared strategies for navigating these trade-offs and provided actionable insights for energy optimization without overspending. The session underscored a simple truth: successful campus energy management requires both vision and pragmatism. By understanding operational realities and aligning them with long-term sustainability and financial goals, facilities teams can make smarter decisions today that pay off tomorrow.