Azure Dynamics Corp. announced 21 new Ford Transit Connect Electric sales, including a five unit sale to Western Michigan University (WMU).

Recognized for its innovative approaches and results with energy reduction, and backed by generous support from the Clean Energy Coalition, Kalamazoo, MI.-based WMU placed a five unit Transit Connect Electric order for use in its campus service fleet. WMU already operates 38 conventional Transit Connect vans. The university has other electric, hybrid and flex-fuel vehicles in its service fleet.

WMU also operates a co-generation plant, manages the entire 150 building campus with a central energy management system and has been following LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building standards for many years. It has consistently reduced its energy usage despite significant growth in its total square footage.

"These vehicles will help us continue to expand our environmental efforts and manage our resources more effectively, not only because of the economic advantage, but because it's the right thing to do for our students, faculty and staff, and the broader communities we serve," said Dr. John M. Dunn, president of WMU.

Believing that environmental sustainability is a critical global consideration, WMU leverages its multitude of energy investments as an important educational element for its students.