Profile of a Patriot

Through the Lugar Energy Patriot, Senator Lugar profiles a student, professional, scholar, or member of the business community who has demonstrated leadership and initiative in taking concrete action to improve America's energy security. In addition to the profile posted here, individuals will receive a certificate designating them Lugar Energy Patriots, and a letter of congratulations.

John G. (Jack) Leicht
Chief Operating Officer
Indianapolis Museum of Art

In 2006, the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA), with a newly designed building, embarked on a new culture within the organization.  All of this, under the guidance of Jack Leicht. 

John G. (Jack) Leicht, Chief Executive Officer and President of Edward George and Associates, operates as Chief Operating Officer of the IMA.

In April 2008, the IMA became the first fine art museum in the country to receive an Energy Star Certification recognizing their efforts to become more environmentally responsible.  

“The Energy Star Certification was a big deal for us,” says Leicht.  “It was sort of a culminating point for the effort put in over the past two years.”

“When we began utilizing our new space, we wanted our staff and visitors to see a new culture from IMA as well,” said Leicht.  “We hoped for a culture that promoted efficient use of energy.  We wanted to use and emit less into our environment.”

Since 2006, the IMA has decreased its usage in the areas of electricity and natural gas greatly.

“Because of the decrease in our usage, we have decreased the CO2 emissions going into the Indianapolis atmosphere,” said Leicht.  “Our electricity emissions have decreased nearly 18% and our natural gas emissions are down nearly 49% in just three years.”

Through these reductions, Leicht believes the IMA has avoided 7,000 tons of emissions into the environment; an equivalent of removing 500 cars from the roadways in 2008. 

Leicht says one of the best ways a group can lower energy costs without spending money is to examine its utility bills.

“So many organizations, and individuals for that matter, use a pay-and-file system for their utility bills,” said Leicht.  “Once the bill comes, they pay it, and then file it away, never truly looking at trend lines and bumps from month-to-month.  It’s important to look at the small things to make a big change.” 

Any visitor to the IMA Nourish Café will notice glass plates and metal utensils.  A trip to the restroom finds electric hand dryers.  In many of the galleries, LED lighting is used.  These are a just a few of the features that Leicht has worked to incorporate into a ‘clean energy culture’ at the IMA. 

“We don’t use paper products that can’t be recycled,” said Leicht.  “Paper plates, plastic forks, paper towels; all of this ends up in a landfill and it’s just not responsible to contribute to that.  Even our staff meetings and board meetings are paperless now.”

In January 2009, the IMA partnered with Sylvania Lighting Services to improve lighting efficiency by replacing light bulbs with energy-efficient longer life span bulbs throughout the museum and its grounds.  With this new partnership, Leicht projects a 24% cut in energy usage and $9,000 in net annual energy savings.

Leicht has also worked to ensure the IMA is actively engaging in local partnerships including:  the Central Indiana Clean Air Partnership, the Indiana Recycling Coalition, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Partnership, and more. 

“It is our goal that we continue to spread our mission to be more energy efficient through our partnerships and continued education as a staff,” said Leicht. 

With more than 300,000 visitors each year, the IMA is able to showcase their energy efforts and artistic assets in ways unique to Indianapolis and Central Indiana.    

“We hope that through our efforts we are an example in our community and our state,” said Leicht.  “It is our wish that every Hoosier leaves the IMA with that sense of responsibility.”