The Wilkes Community College Board of Trustees met last week in the John A. Walker Community Center.  The trustees approved several naming opportunities based on the recommendation of the Building and Grounds Committee. Facilities – buildings, rooms, streets, and other named places – may be named in honor or memory of individuals, businesses, and organizations.  The board approved a $14,543 increase in the design fee to CBSA Architects for the Automotive Technology Complex, for additional work required as the result of splitting the early site work.  Construction on the Automotive Technology Complex is expected to begin in April with completion slated for December 2012.  Also, the board heard about efforts to reduce energy consumption at the college, including electricity, natural gas, water and other utilities. Due to a conversion to natural gas in 2010 at WCC, installation of water saving faucets in restrooms, and a change in strategy/methods for landscape irrigation, the college saw total utility costs decrease from $724,735 in fiscal year 2010 to $666,384 in fiscal year 2011.  And finally, the building committee reported that renovations to the North Wilkesboro Center were completed in December 2011, converting the former Basic Law Enforcement Training room to a computer testing lab and conference room.  Also space on the first floor of Thompson Hall, previously occupied by the drama program, will be converted to classroom and computer lab space for developmental math. Renovations begin this month and will be completed by fall semester this year.