PROGRESS REPORT
The AgriLife Extension Service has two facilities across the state. In a majority of the location's employees are in tenant space. The agency is geographically spread across the State including the university main campus in College Station, throughout 12 AgriLife Research and Extension Centers and in 250 of the 254 counties. Space located on university main campus and AgriLife Research is reported with that respective university or agency and included in their Energy and Water Management Plan. Joint renovation projects are coordinated and prioritized with both the University and Research. The space occupied in the county offices, where county extension agents reside, are not owned by the agency. This space is controlled and operated by the county. The agency does not purchase, negotiate, or directly pay for utilities.
The space occupied and managed by local agency employees is in Brownwood and Fredericksburg, Texas. AgriLife Extension energy efficiency programs are related to employee education. The agency and its employees strive to be good tenants by proactive involvement with conservation programs and efficient activities. The Brownwood facility switched to LED bulbs for energy efficiency and making sure lights are off when facilities are not in use. The center continues to monitor water pressure lines limiting use where feasible. At the Fredericksburg facility for water conservation, updated irrigation controllers were installed for increased efficiencies along with consolidation of plant material to one greenhouse which not only conserved water but electric and propane as well. The Viticulture lab also changed to LED lights in almost 90% of the office and lab buildings.
GOALS
AgriLife Extension seeks to do its part to be energy, fuel, and water efficient. The goal three percent with benchmark being 2022 and target year 2026.
| Utility | Target Year | Benchmark Year | Percentage Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 2026 | 2022 | 3 |
| Electricity | 2026 | 2020 | 3 |
| Transportation Fuels | 2026 | 2022 | 3 |
| Natural Gas |
STRATEGY FOR ACHIEVING GOALS
Using cost efficient fixtures where practical, controlling heat and a/c through auto scheduling in buildings and monitoring water schedules.
IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
As fixtures fail, investment will be made in more cost-efficient devices as determined appropriate by facility managers.
AGENCY FINANCE STRATEGY
AgriLife Extension will fund projects with available state and designated resources.
EMPLOYEE AWARENESS PLAN
AgriLife Extension strives to be a good steward of the environment and space it both occupies as a tenant and as well as the space it owns. The agency supports the TAMU Energy Stewardship Program, which includes an Energy Stewardship Team, TAMU Utilities and Energy Services Website, and an Energy Action Plan.
