PROGRESS REPORT
Tarleton State University (Tarleton) is committed to energy conservation. Energy conservation initiatives have reduced Tarleton’s Main Campus Source Energy Use Index (EUI) from 208.9 MBtu per square foot in August 2015 to 131.0 MBtu per square foot in August 2025, an overall Source EUI reduction of 37.3%.
GOALS
Tarleton’s goal is to operate and maintain its campus at peak efficiency. As seen by the dramatic EUI reduction, Tarleton actively addresses energy conservation opportunities. Tarleton entered an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) and completed the construction phase of the project in July 2023. The ESPC utility consumption reduction goals are to (from baseline year) reduce electricity use by 22.9% each year, electricity demand by 21.4% consumption monthly, natural gas by 21.4% each year and water/wastewater by 32.9% each year. The first-year utility consumption savings from the ESPC project totaled 8,711,096 kWh, 15,973 kGal and 16,023 Therms.
| Utility | Target Year | Benchmark Year | Percentage Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 2027 | 2020 | 7 |
| Electricity | 2027 | 2020 | 13 |
| Transportation Fuels | 2027 | 2020 | 1 |
| Natural Gas | 2027 | 2020 | 7 |
STRATEGY FOR ACHIEVING GOALS
Tarleton actively addresses energy conservation opportunities. Tarleton identifies and corrects campus building energy consumption deficiencies and consistently implements conservation measures that will further reduce Tarleton’s Source EUI. The energy conservation measures (ECM) that were chosen for implementation during the ESPC project include LED lighting, HVAC improvements, Building Automation System control improvements, lab ventilation optimization and water conservation fixtures. Tarleton is also involved in demand response programs that reduce electricity cost and consumption by reducing campus load during times of high grid demand.
IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
Tarleton monitors the Energy Management System daily, addresses equipment issues daily, reviews building meter data weekly and reviews campus utility data monthly. ECMs of the Phase I ESPC project were implemented during the duration of the construction phase of the project that was completed in July 2023.
AGENCY FINANCE STRATEGY
Financing options evaluated included Tax-Exempt Lease Purchase (TELP) funding and TAMUS Revenue Financing System (RFS) Bond funding at various terms up to the 20 years enabled by legislation in Texas. The project team was given direction to target a project utilizing TAMUS RFS Bonds, while still maintaining the option to utilize TELP should those terms be more favorable at the time of funding. Tarleton applied to receive up to a $12.8 million low-interest loan. The Energy Services Company provided a guaranteed maximum price for construction costs, not to exceed the amount of $12.8 million, to allow for variations in costs of issuance for financing origination, management and legal fees. The term is 20 years plus construction.
EMPLOYEE AWARENESS PLAN
Tarleton encourages student, staff and faculty energy conservation involvement through campus newsletter articles and campus-wide notifications. Tarleton posts the annual utility report on the Campus Operations webpage as well as including links/information in the online newsletter.
