The Foundation You Build On: How Western Michigan University Turned Utility Data Into Award-winning Results (Partnership with EnergyCAP)

For Western Michigan University's Energy Administration team, EnergyCAP started as a single home for water, gas, and electric data. It became something bigger: the data proving energy projects are paying themselves back into Western's green revolving fund, with a 2.1-year median payback period and ~2.5 MM kWh saved to date. That same data helped Western capture nearly $250K in utility incentives over the past two years and back two campus energy competition wins.

Join Zach Richardson, Energy Administration Specialist at Western Michigan University, and Tom Diliberti, Senior Manager of Energy and Sustainability at EnergyCAP, for a conversation about turning utility data into a funded energy program: identifying high-consuming buildings with interval data, validating energy projects with real usage instead of projections, and communicating those wins to students and stakeholders.

Zach Richardson is the Energy Administration Specialist at Western Michigan University, where he develops and implements energy management programs that reduce the university’s environmental impact and operational costs. He holds Master’s degrees in Public Affairs and Environmental Science from Indiana University Bloomington and has previously served as a Climate Action Officer with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, contributing to the state’s MI Healthy Climate Plan. With a career dedicated to overcoming climate and energy challenges in the Midwest, Zach brings both policy expertise and on-the-ground institutional experience to his work.

Tom Diliberti, Senior Manager, Energy & Utilities Solutions at EnergyCAP, brings a unique blend of education, technology, and facilities expertise to his work. He began his career as a science teacher, where he developed a passion for data-driven decision-making and problem-solving—skills that have shaped his approach to helping organizations optimize their facilities operations. With extensive experience in the software industry, Tom has worked for multiple companies specializing in solutions for facilities professionals. He has led strategic initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, improve sustainability outcomes, and demonstrate clear ROI for capital and energy projects. His expertise lies in translating complex data into actionable insights, making it easier for organizations to communicate the value of their facilities investments. A dynamic and engaging speaker, Thomas shares practical strategies for leveraging technology, engaging stakeholders, and aligning facilities initiatives with broader business goals. His presentations provide valuable insights for facility managers, finance leaders, and executives looking to optimize their operations. Tom has the following certifications through the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE): CEM, CMVP, CIAQP, CLEP.