PROGRESS REPORT
The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) occupies and manages three state-owned buildings. The oldest, a warehouse, was built and acquired in 2021, with HVAC systems installed in 2022. One of the buildings is located on the Texas A&M RELLIS campus and is reported under Texas A&M’s jurisdiction. All three facilities were designed and constructed in compliance with mandated energy standards, and no significant issues have arisen with electrical or HVAC systems to date. Due to the buildings’ recent construction, energy-efficient design and operational performance, energy audits are not currently warranted.
GOALS
TDEM manages and responds to disasters across the state, with emergency operations centers and response activities often operating 24 hours a day for extended periods. Depending on the frequency and severity of natural disasters and other emergency events, utility usage at TDEM facilities — as well as transportation fuel consumption — can vary significantly from year to year.
Because TDEM’s buildings are newly constructed and designed in compliance with mandated energy standards, and due to the unpredictable nature of utility demands, TDEM will not establish conservation goals at this time. However, fiscal 2026 will serve as the benchmark year for the two buildings for which TDEM reports energy and utility usage. Additionally, TDEM is in the process of implementing a Building Automation System (BAS) at one of these buildings and plans to extend BAS implementation to the other reportable facility and all future buildings.
Please note that we are unable to change the "2020" shown in the benchmark year for electricity below. TDEM did not manage and occupy a state-owned building in 2020.
| Utility | Target Year | Benchmark Year | Percentage Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 2032 | 2025 | 0 |
| Electricity | 2032 | 2020 | 0 |
| Transportation Fuels | 2032 | 2025 | 0 |
| Natural Gas | 2032 | 2025 | 0 |
STRATEGY FOR ACHIEVING GOALS
Future facilities will be designed and constructed in compliance with mandated energy and conservation requirements. Each will include a BAS, enabling TDEM to respond quickly and efficiently to unexpected fluctuations in energy and water consumption.
IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
TDEM’s first BAS is scheduled for implementation during fiscal 2026. The BAS will provide real-time notifications of increases in energy and water consumption, enabling TDEM to quickly diagnose and address issues. This rapid response capability will help minimize the impact of the underlying cause and support more efficient facility operations.
AGENCY FINANCE STRATEGY
The cost of the Building Automation System is included in the funds already appropriated for the project, so no additional funding is required.
EMPLOYEE AWARENESS PLAN
TDEM presents utility and fuel conservation information during each new employee orientation. This information is also available on TDEM’s intranet site, ensuring staff have easy access to conservation resources at any time.
