TEXAS STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM

RESOURCE EFFICIENCY PLAN

BY

MIKE BUCK

ASSOCIATE VICE CHANCELLOR FOR FACILITIES

JUNE 5, 2003

TEXAS STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM

RESOURCE EFFICIENCY PLAN

1. Summary of Overall Strategy

   TSTC has been progressive in adopting energy efficiency strategies and techniques over the last three to four years. Starting in 1999, TSTC Harlingen requested proposals from companies to audit, implement, and track energy efficient retrofits for the campus in Harlingen, Texas. Recent legislation (Senate Bill 726) passed at that time allowed for State Universities to utilize the savings generated from multi-year energy conservation projects to pay for the improvements over the term of the contract. TSTC was also interested in utilizing the Texas Public Finance Authority’s Master Lease Purchase Program to fund the projects.

   TSTC has also utilized energy management systems at the Waco campus and has systematically replace HVAC units and lighting with newer efficient technology.

   TSTC is in the process of auditing all utility bills and conducting energy audits to determine project feasibility for comprehensive energy efficiency projects.

2. Utility Assessment Reports and Preliminary Utility Audit
   
   
   1. TSTC Harlingen

      In April of 2000, TSTC-Harlingen entered into a contract TAC Americas to audit, design, implement, and track, energy conservation measures in its facilities. This project covered all buildings on the Harlingen campus.

      The project consisted of campus-wide lighting retrofits, direct digital controls additions and expansions, and chiller replacements/additions. The project reduced annual electric and gas costs for the facilities retrofitted by $84,029. This project caused a reduction of electricity and gas consumption for these facilities of 20%. The project was financed by the Texas Public Finance Authority – Master Lease Purchase Program.

      TSTC has a contract with TAC to perform Measurement and Verification of the annual project savings. This contract also includes training of College personnel in the efficient operation of campus buildings and systems.

      TAC has performed a preliminary energy analysis of the Sweetwater Campus, a feasibility study of the Marshall Campus and is in the process of finalizing the PEA at the Waco campus. The following information is a result of these studies:

   2. TSTC West Texas

      Texas State Technical College (TSTC), located in Sweetwater, Texas, includes approximately twenty-seven buildings located at one campus on the west side of the town of Sweetwater. These include the following buildings: Automation and Robotics Technology, Telecommunications Technology, Wade Forester Auto Center, Auto body Repair, Automotive Center, Business Office, Department of Public Safety, General Education, Lance Sears Industrial Technology, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology, Diesel Technology/Bookstore, Administration, Student Apartments, Campus Services, Pevehouse Technology, Multiple Storage Buildings, Graphics, Auto body Repair/Paint Booth, R. Temple Dickson Technology, The Center, Student Dorms, and a Commons Area. The campus covers approximately 270,681 square feet of educational, housing and administration facilities. There are another 14,400 square feet of campus apartments, which were not evaluated as a result of very little savings opportunity at those three buildings. All buildings are low-rise construction with a consistent architectural style. Walls are predominately constructed of face brick and stone with masonry or gypsum interior surfaces.

      1. Sweetwater Utilities

      Electric Meter Current and Potential Transducers

      Electrical service for the district is provided by TXU Electric until contract with the General Land Office. During the calendar year between April 2000 and March 2001, the TSTC-Sweetwater campus' combined electrical consumption was 3,337,460 kWh and the total annual billed electrical demand was 10,894 kW for a total cost of $227,750.

      
      
      

      Main Gas Meter for Campus

      The natural gas for the district is provided by TXU-Gas. During the calendar year between April 2000 and March 2001, the campus' combined natural gas consumption was 10,854 MCF for a total cost of $83,949.
      The Department of Public Safety uses propane for heating purposes, and accounted for 1509 gallons of propane at a cost of $1667 during the April 2000 through March 2001 calendar year.

      The Electrical Energy Use Index (EEUI) for TSTC-Sweetwater is 12.57 kwh per square feet. The Natural Gas Energy Use Index (NGEUI) for TSTC-Sweetwater is 41.3 cubic feet per square feet. The total Energy Cost Index (ECI) for the TSTC-Sweetwater is $1.18 per square foot. The EEUI is fairly reasonable for a facility of this type and utilization rate. The NGEUI is relatively high and indicates a potential for savings. The ECI is considered relatively high relative to similar facilities in the same region.

      
      
      2. Energy Savings Potential

      TAC's Certified Energy Managers (CEM) has conducted a Preliminary Energy Audit of Texas State Technical College-Sweetwater. Based on the audit and a review of the electrical and gas utility data, TAC feels the potential energy savings for the College to be between $14,000 and $18,000. The following is a list of potential Energy Conservation Opportunities that would be considered during a Detailed Audit for implementation.

      3. Energy Conservation Opportunities
         
         
         • Lighting System Efficiency Improvements
         • T8 Lamps with Electronic Ballasts
         • Compact Fluorescent Lamps
         • HID Fixtures
         • Lighting Control
         • Scheduling
         • Motion Detectors
         • Control and Management Measures
         • Scheduling Control
         • Optimal Start/Stop
         • Night Setback/Setup
         • Heating/Cooling Mode Selection
         • Boiler Sequencing
         • Supply Air Reset
         • Ideal Dry-Bulb Economizer Selection
         • Direct Digital Control
         • Multi-Zone to VAV Conversion
         • Constant Volume to VAV Conversion
         • High-Efficiency Boilers
         • High Efficiency Unitary Equipment
         • Variable Frequency Motor Controllers
           
           
      4. Electric Account Rate Verification

         While performing electric bill rate analysis, TAC’s Certified Energy Managers noticed that TXU-Electric had apparently overcharged one account. During May 2000, account number 463 8666 99 2 was charged $1,480 above the correct rate. It was recommended that TXU be contacted to obtain a refund.

   3. Marshall Campus

   In June of 2001, TAC requested utility information on the TSTC Marshall campus and determined that due to low electric rates and low consumption, the Marshall campus was running at $.60 per square foot, which is extremely efficient for this type of campus. It was not recommended to do additional audits at the time. TSTC is in the process of revisiting this campus to verify that the facilities are continuing to be operated in an efficient manner. A new PEA will be performed and project feasibility will be determined.

   4. Waco Campus

      The TSTC Waco campus is a combination of Educational, Office, Commercial and warehouse facilities that cover over 2,500,000 square feet. The annual electric costs for the campus are approximately $1,800,000. TSTC Waco negotiated a flat rate electric contract with TXU on 12/31/01. The rates are $0.048364 per kWh for energy and $0.0173496 per kWh for delivery, excluding reactive power. TSTC has begun site surveys and utility bill gathering to determine the energy savings potential for this campus.

      The TSTC campus currently utilizes a Campus wide DDC system to control and schedule HVAC systems. Lighting has been renovated in many buildings to T-8 lamps with electronic ballasts. Little water conservation has been implemented in the buildings. TSTC has an ongoing program to change out HVAC systems in the housing units on campus. This is accomplished by in-house personnel. TSTC changes about 200 of these units each year.

      TSTC will complete the preliminary audit in June 2003.

      1. TSTC Waco - Potential Savings Opportunities
         
         
      • Additional lighting retrofit opportunities.
      • Water conservation opportunities such as expediting the replacement of existing toilets and lavatory aerators to conserve water on campus.
      • Boiler and Chillers
      • Addition of variable speed drives on pumps and motors

   Based on current information, there appears to be potential for self-funding energy and water efficiency projects on this campus. There may be a possibility for 15-20 % savings; however, in order to determine the exact savings amount, a Detailed Utility Audit will need to be performed.

   5. Implementation Schedule

      TSTC Harlingen has implemented a 15-year performance based contract with TAC Americas. The project is described above. After the results of the PUA at Waco are delivered, TSTC will determine if additional retrofits projects are feasible and determine a schedule. This schedule will include the campuses in Waco, Marshall, and West Texas.

      If projects are deemed to be feasible, TSTC will determine the most appropriate procurement method along with the available financing options and move forward with energy efficiency upgrades where feasible.

   6. Finance Strategy

      The appropriate source(s) of financing are being evaluated. Potential sources are: LoanSTAR, Texas Public Finance Authority’s Master Lease Program, Tuition Revenue Bonds, or other sources of funding.
      

3. TSTC System Principles for Energy Conservation and Utility Awareness Program
   
   
   1. TSTC System’s energy conservation practices will be guided by the President’s principles developed to respond to the realities of state appropriations; availability and cost of energy resources; and by our responsibilities as an institution and individuals for environmental stewardship.
      
      
   2. Energy conservation initiatives and practices must not impede the System’s ability to attract and retain students.
      
      
   3. Energy conservation initiatives and practices must not impede the System’s ability to conduct the teaching mission of the College.
      
      
   4. Classrooms will be scheduled to make efficient use of energy. During inter-sessions, classroom use will be consolidated into as few buildings as possible.
      
      
   5. Energy conservation initiatives and practices must provide tolerable environmental conditions for faculty, staff, and students. Each building will be examined by a Facilities Services Group staff member in conjunction with occupant representatives to assess the ability of the mechanical system and building programs to accommodate a change in space temperatures.
      
      
      • Where possible, the building space temperatures will be set to levels of 78° F in the summer and 68° F in the winter. In buildings that have heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that do not have the capabilities to maintain these temperatures, it is recommended that a 2° F to 5° F change from current space temperatures become a target.
        
        
      • Wherever possible, in off-hours and weekends, it is recommended that building temperatures be set back (i.e. allowed to rise above 78° F in the summer and to fall below 68° F in the winter) compatible with the building’s overall use.
        
        
      • TSTC Staff will communicate with building occupants when implementing these changes, recognizing special occupant needs as required.
        
        
   6. Energy conservation may also be achieved by considering alternative work arrangements, such as alternate or flexible work hours, “off site” assignments or “telecommuting”, or other innovations when reasonable, practical, and consistent with TSTC System policies.
      
      
   7. TSTC College Administrators will communicate with faculty, staff, students, and the local community to promote, develop, and implement energy conservation initiatives and awareness by, for example:
      
      
      1. publishing energy conservation information in campus publications on a regular basis;
         
         
      2. posting conspicuous notices in rooms to turn out lights, (set back the thermostat in some spaces at the end of the day) when the space is unoccupied;
         
         
      3. aggressively seeking favorable electrical and fuel rate agreements;
         
         
      4. facilities groups will continue an ongoing program to replace old and inefficient lighting with new energy efficient lighting;
         
         
      5. facilities groups will continue to review building lighting levels and either reduce levels permanently or provide multi-level lighting capabilities;
         
         
      6. facilities groups will continue to review and upgrade lighting control systems, e.g. motion detectors and computer controls;
         
         
      7. facilities groups will continue efforts to modernize the campus energy management systems;
         
         
      8. facilities groups will continue the aggressive programs to monitor and replace roofing systems that have aged, leak water, and compromise the insulation properties of the building envelope; and
         
         
      9. facilities groups will continue aggressive programs to optimize the efficiency of the central chilled water production plants and distribution systems and investigate the feasibility of seeking funds for future development.
         
         
   8. Energy conservation initiatives and practices must result in cost savings (short-term and long-term) and be sustainable.
      
      
   9. Facility staff will explore the use of alternative and renewable resources such as wind, solar, photovoltaic, fuel cells and microgeneration.
      
      
4. Asset Management Inventory Of Facilities

   TSTC System consists of four campuses with 1,131 buildings covering 4,038,642 square feet.

   The TSTC Harlingen campus consists of 77 buildings covering 857,509 square feet. It consists primarily of educational and general space.

   The TSTC Waco campus consists of approximately 1,000 buildings covering 2,562,665 square feet. It consists of educational and general space; over 800 separate residential units, airport facilities, and leased office space.

   The TSTC West Texas campuses consist of 44 buildings covering 458,685 square feet. These facilities consist primarily of educational and general teaching space.

   The TSTC Marshall campus consists of 10 buildings and covers 159,783 square feet. The facility square footage is mostly educational and general. There are 8 dormitory facilities on this campus.

   A complete listing of facilities and square footage for each is available via the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Facilities Inventory List. It can be submitted if requested.

5. Two Year History Of Utility Bills
   
   

   Campus	Year	KWh	Electric $	Gas MCF	Gas $	Water Kgals	Water $
   Marshall	5/01-8/01	798,861	$37,710	47	$454	619	$3,078
   	9/01-8/02	22344889	$94,072	80	$5,158	3160	$9,975
   	9/02-4/03	1544903	$74,264	75	$5,299	2191	$8,075
   West Texas	8/01-7/02	4841580	$338,911	13201	$40,436	5297	$33,543
   	8/02-5/03	5983680	$419,487	11300	$84,145	5204	$31,330
   Harlingen	9/01-8/02	11605510	$799,671	3568	$13,658	25482	$99,591
   	9/02-4/03	5303709	$397,664	2194	$16,374	14689	$63,472
   Waco	9/00-8/01	18,487,913	$1,362,558	69,068	$564,310	181,540	$435,822
   	9/01-8/02	15,519,592	$1,173,785	57,464	$278,632	177,540	$316,114
   	9/02-4/03	16,159,783	$1,334,312	44,694	$296,937	109,666	$299,137

   
   
   
6. Savings Measurement and Verification Plan

   TSTC Harlingen has a contract with TAC to perform Measurement and Verification of the annual project savings on the Harlingen Campus. The M&V plan is based on the IPMVP protocol. Option – C whole building meeting is utilized to measure savings on the main campus meter. This contract also includes training of College personnel in the efficient operation of campus buildings and systems.

   The choice of M&V protocol and procedures for future projects will be determined when TSTC completes the project development for each of the other campuses.

7. Project Implementation Update

TSTC is in the third year of the guarantee on Harlingen project. The PEA is complete on the Sweetwater campus and will be revisited for project feasibility. The PEA at Waco should be completed in June. Marshall will be revisited by the end of July.

8. Name and Address of Official at TSTC

   Mike Buck
   Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities
   (956) 364-4200
   mike.buck@harlingen.tstc.edu

9. Any Resource Efficiency Plan Previously Submitted

   This is the first REP submitted. The semi-annual report was filed earlier this month for utility usage for each campus.