Goal I – FY 2007. Utilize utility software package for tracking and reporting
November 30, 2006: – The University purchased the Utility module for the Famis software system. Once data conversion and training has occurred we will be able to get reports based off many usage criteria since the system is part of space management as well. The first training is the week of December 4-8 with 3 additional on site training by the manufacturer with a tentative go live date of April 1st. The module is also integrated in our maintenance system so we are able to see complete operational costs on buildings.
UPDATE – February 28, 2007: – With the requirements of loading 3 years of history we decided to move the go live date to May 1st in order to allow more testing and report developing.
UPDATE – May 31, 2007: – The program is up and running. We have already used it to better predict our usage requirements for The General Land Office 2 year natural gas contract.
UPDATE – August 31, 2007: – With the ability to run a variety of ad hoc reports we have been able to give departments up to date cost and usage information to help on planning and areas to try and cut back usage. We have also been able to cancel accounts that had insignificant usage and tie into other systems to reduce the base rate fees for each meter.
Goal II – FY 2006. Implementation of Performance Contract to save on electricity, natural gas, and water.
November 30, 2006 – Tour Andover Controls, who was awarded the contract, has started with the lighting and water retrofits of the project. They hope to have many of the retrofits done over the holiday break and we would start seeing the savings at the start of the new year. The entire project, which includes replacing many air handlers, expansion of the remote monitoring system for HVAC, and equipment in the central plant and other buildings, has a 2 year completion time. Lighting – changing fixtures to T8 lamps with electronic ballasts, changing all exit sign lights to LEDs, install automatic sensor switches for classroom lights, and replace mercury vapor cans with compact fluorescent fixtures. Water – install 1.6 gallon per flush valves, 2.5 gallon per minute showerheads, lower flow aerators, and rain sensors on irrigation time clocks.
UPDATE – February 28, 2007 – All the sink faucets and toilets in the educational and general buildings have been changed. One of the dorms has also had the faucets and sinks replaced. We have removed a portion of the existing boiler system at the central plant and are replacing it with new hot water tanks. Three educational and general buildings have had their bulbs and ballasts changed as well for lighting.
UPDATE – May 31, 2007 – In April a new chiller was installed in the central plant that replaced the 24 year old one that was a R11 conversion. In May, 6 new boilers were put on line. This will save considerable costs in natural gas as we will only run the boilers that are necessary not to mention each unit is more efficient than the large old boilers. We have stopped producing steam and taken out the steam units &ndash a considerable savings when considering the cost of producing steam versus only raising water temperature to 120 degrees. There has also been the installation of power correction factor equipment to help with the electrical load that goes into the central plant. More buildings are having the lighting changed out and more of the dormitories are having their faucets and showerheads replaced.
UPDATE – August 31, 2007 – All the rain sensors on irrigation time clocks have been installed. Variable frequency drives were installed at several buildings to allow for more efficient operation of air handlers. The rest of the dorms scheduled for toilet, faucet and shower change outs have been accomplished. The exterior lighting across campus has been replaced with much more efficient fixtures and lighting elements. All of the air handlers in the Administration Building and 2 at the Academic Building have been replaced. There are a total of 42 air handlers across campus scheduled to be replaced by the end of 2008.
Goal III – FY 2007. Create an energy conservation and tips web page on the university’s website.
November 30, 2006 – Want to have a page that list how much we spend and what could be done to reduce it. Move the "State Agency Energy Savings Program" link to that page as well.
UPDATE – February 28, 2007 – Working with the new software program to get up to date figures for utility use on the website by building. Also, gathering info from other university sites on reduction ideas.
UPDATE – May 31, 2007 – IT and facilities are working together on the logistics of creating a more interactive website with current data on usage and savings.
UPDATE – August 31, 2007 – Due to the move from the Texas State University System to the Texas Tech University System all website changes have been put on hold. This project will start back up September 4.
Fleet Fuel Management Plan
Goal I – FY2007. Utilize Electric Carts.
December 1, 2006 – Technicians to use electric carts when at all possible to cut down on use of gasoline vehicles.
UPDATE – August 31, 2007 – In addition to utilizing the electric carts instead of gasoline powered vehicles we have facility employees using bicycles to travel from the physical plant to the central plant and back.
Fleet Management
UPDATE – February 28, 2007 – Salvaging 2 more gasoline vehicles with plans to only replace one of them.
UPDATE – May 31, 2007 – The lease Lincoln Navigator for the President was changed for a more fuel efficient sedan. The 3,000 gallon propane tank that was on lease had become empty and instead of filling it up we had the company come and take it away. We only keep the 30 gallon tanks for the Forklifts and Genie Lift on property.