Finding Savings in Plain Sight: How Educational Facilities Are Cutting Costs Through Energy and Labor Efficiencies
April 28, 2026
1:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM CT / 10:00 AM PT / 6:00 PM GMT
Duration: 1 hour
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Summary
Across K–12 and higher education, institutions are navigating aging infrastructure, rising operating costs, and constrained budgets, all while being asked to deliver safer, healthier, and more efficient learning environments. While the need for investment is clear, identifying achievable pathways to meaningful savings can feel out of reach.
However, a growing number of institutions are demonstrating that meaningful cost reductions are possible—without major disruption. By pairing targeted energy efficiency improvements with data-driven operations and innovative financing strategies, these schools are uncovering savings hidden within their existing infrastructure and operations.
This session brings together K-12 school district and higher education leaders from Moorhead Public Schools (MN) and Pacific Lutheran University (WA) to share how they unlocked savings by modernizing their aging infrastructure and inefficient facility workflows. Through real-world case studies, panelists will highlight the strategies that shifted their approach.
Attendees will gain actionable insights into funding infrastructure upgrades, reducing energy consumption, managing deferred maintenance backlogs, and increasing workforce productivity; while keeping student comfort, safety, and success at the center.
By attending this session, participants will be able to:
1. Identify cost saving opportunities driven by energy efficiency upgrades, improved facility operations, and labor optimization in educational facilities.
2. Leverage digital twin technology and capital planning tools to streamline facility workflows, tackle deferred capital renewal/maintenance backlogs and enhance operational strategy.
Speakers
Leila Dillon
Senior Vice President - Chief Marketing Officer
Ameresco
Ms. Leila Dillon is Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Ameresco, a leading energy infrastructure solutions provider dedicated to helping customers reduce costs, enhance resilience, and decarbonize to net zero in the global energy transition. Ms. Dillon has more than 20 years of experience in leading corporate marketing and communications, investor relations, partner strategy, lead generation and business development initiatives for industry leading global technology companies.
Greg Perkinson
Associate Vice President for Facilities Management
Pacific Lutheran University
Greg Perkinson is the Associate Vice President for Facilities Management at Pacific Lutheran University, where he focuses on the strategic integration of physical plant operations with institutional financial sustainability. A former Vice President for Finance and Administration (VPFA) at Southern Oregon University, Greg brings a unique Chief Business Officer (CBO) perspective to facilities management, specializing in optimizing non-academic business operations and capital lean-management.
His expertise in large-scale efficiency stems from a career leading complex infrastructure portfolios, including The Boeing Company’s Consolidated Facilities Operations and Maintenance (CFOAM) program. Greg’s leadership foundations were built during 34 years of public service as a mission support senior officer in the U.S. Air Force, retiring at the rank of Colonel.
A registered architect (CA) with an M.S. in Architectural Engineering from Penn State and a Bachelor of Architecture from Kent State, Greg bridges the gap between technical engineering and executive fiscal stewardship. He is also a registered Architect in California; and is a member of two non-profit boards, emphasizing the intersection of community service and operational efficiency.
Greg enjoys being outdoors and is the proud father of his daughter Lauren.
Steve Moore
Executive Director of Operations and Emergency Management
Moorhead Public Schools
Steve Moore serves as Executive Director of Operations and Emergency Management for Moorhead Area Public Schools. He oversees the district’s property services, maintenance operations, transportation, and emergency management functions, ensuring a safe and secure environment for students, employees, and visitors. His responsibilities include leading the development and implementation of safety and security policies, such as access control procedures, accident and risk prevention efforts, and district-wide emergency preparedness initiatives. His work helps provide a strong operational foundation that supports student learning and well-being.
Prior to joining the district, Steve served as Public Works Director for the City of Moorhead for six years. He also brings 22 years of active-duty experience as a Civil Engineer in the United States Air Force. He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in Computer Information Management from Webster University.
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