PROGRESS REPORT
Tarleton State University is committed to energy conservation. Its conservation initiatives have reduced the main campus source Energy Use Index (EUI) from 189 mmBtus (One Million British Thermal Units) per square foot in September 2014 to 122.4 mmBtus per square foot in August 2022, an overall EUI reduction of 35.2 percent. Tarleton has shown positive reductions in energy consumption by equipping new facilities with state-of-the-art systems, upgrading plant equipment and HVAC controls, implementing HVAC schedules and upgrading HVAC equipment and installing variable frequency drives. Monthly campus utility consumption and costs are reviewed to ensure energy conservation initiatives are obtaining expected results. Tarleton has completed an Investment Grade Audit and is currently under construction on an Energy Services Performance Contract (ESPC) project. Additionally, Tarleton is involved in a demand response program that reduces electricity costs by reducing campus load during times of high grid demand.
GOALS
As seen by the dramatic EUI reduction, Tarleton actively addresses energy conservation opportunities. Beyond Tarleton’s ongoing identification and correction of campus building deficiencies, Tarleton is undergoing an ESPC project, implementing conservation measures that will further reduce Tarleton’s EUI.
| Utility | Target Year | Benchmark Year | Percentage Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | FY2027 | FY2020 | 0.07 |
| Electricity | FY2027 | FY2020 | 0.13 |
| Transportation Fuels | FY2027 | FY2020 | 0.01 |
| Natural Gas | FY2027 | FY2020 | 0.07 |
STRATEGY FOR ACHIEVING GOALS
The energy conservation measures that have been chosen for implementation during the ESPC project include LED lighting, HVAC improvements, Building Automation Systems control improvements, lab ventilation optimization and water conservation fixtures. Tarleton has entered the ESPC to implement the approved energy conservation measures, which are currently in the construction phase.
IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
ESPC construction is projected to take 11 months with project start-up and close-out estimated to add three months to the total project. The lighting measures are projected to set the total duration of the project. This approach allows for some phasing of projects to avoid disruption to campus operations, monitor the Energy Management System daily, address equipment issues daily, review building meter data weekly and review campus utility data monthly.
AGENCY FINANCE STRATEGY
Financing options evaluated include 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. In collaboration with TSU staff, TAMUS Treasury and Ameresco’s structured finance specialists, the project team was given direction to target a project using TAMUS RFS Bonds while still maintaining the option to utilize a TELP should those terms be more favorable at the time of funding. TSU will apply to receive a low-interest loan up to $12.8 million. Ameresco has provided a guaranteed maximum price for construction costs, though a not to exceed amount of $12.8 million is appropriate to allow for variations in costs of issuance for financing origination, management and legal fees. The term for this proposal 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.
