TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Chris Stripling, energy manager for The University of Alabama and a UA alumnus, was recently named Young Engineer of the Year by the Engineering Council of Birmingham. Stripling has implemented energy cost-cutting strategies that have saved the University hundreds of thousands of dollars over a two-year period.

"The award is much deserved by Chris, and I am honored to have one of our own recognized for his outstanding work," said Dale Taylor, UA’s associate vice president for facilities. Stripling received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University’s College of Engineering in 1988.

In a time when money is sparse for higher education, Stripling is doing his part to save dollars through efficient energy management. Working at the University for the past three years, he has one of the toughest jobs on campus — keeping energy costs down and satisfying a diverse group of individuals. Stripling has implemented plans that have saved the University more than $800,000 in two years, according Joe Orosz, director of construction and Stripling’s supervisor

Stripling has developed curtailment programs that have saved energy use during "down" times, such as late evenings and school breaks. While cutting down energy use in unoccupied buildings, he has also found ways to burn alternative fuel sources, allowing the University to choose the least expensive fuels for heat, explained Orosz. "He is also proactive in reviewing new projects and major alteration projects to ensure that state-of-the-art equipment is installed, resulting in maximum energy savings," Orosz said.

Stripling also educates campus personnel on ways to decrease expenditures and save energy. "He is the kind of person who gets involved with the solution to a problem and participates with the team," said Orosz, "and he does what it takes to get the problem solved."

A leading fundraiser for the United Way and the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Stripling also serves at local and national levels of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers.

A native of Vernon, Ala., Stripling lives in Northport with his wife, Charlotte, and their two daughters.