PROGRESS REPORT
During this past fiscal period, TXDPS has retrofitted many areas with new lighting fixtures that will reduce the light consumption by over 70 percent. Additional floor renovation continues at TXDPS, and the department is switching out many showerheads and toilets, reducing the flow rate by 40 percent. TXDPS has also converted to Direct Digital Controls/Building Automated Systems (DDC)/(BAS) in many buildings which allow for a greater control and maintenance of energy usage throughout. Another tool TXDPS uses is the ENGIE Impact Platform to monitor utility cost. Using ENGIE services helps TXDPS identify utilities that have sudden spikes in usage. Also, TXDPS is working with Austin Energy at their headquarters to seek new opportunities for further reductions of electricity. With the ongoing COVID-19 situation, our agency has a minimum number of staff coming into the office. Although most staff are working remotely, our energy usage has slowly declined from previous years.
GOALS
TXDPS’ energy conservation goals are aligned with Senate Bill 898 passed in 2011 by the 82nd Texas Legislative Session, which calls for a reduction of electrical consumption by 5 percent per annum for 10 years beginning Sept. 1, 2011. As TXDPS continues to grow to service the expanding needs of the citizens of Texas, a ratio of occupied space (total square footage) relative to energy consumption, is the metric by which conservation measures must be judged. Regarding natural gas and water, a reduction goal of 2 percent has been established, also utilizing ratios as the method for measurement.
| Utility | Target Year | Benchmark Year | Percentage Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | FY2025 | FY2020 | 0.02 |
| Electricity | FY2025 | FY2020 | 0.02 |
| Transportation Fuels | FY2025 | FY2020 | 0.02 |
| Natural Gas | FY2025 | FY2020 | 0.02 |
STRATEGY FOR ACHIEVING GOALS
Electricity
During building renovations, TXDPS will transition from fluorescent bulbs to LED lighting wherever possible. This reduces the amount of electricity used by the fixture itself, in addition to reducing the heat load on the HVAC system.
Occupancy sensors and dimmer switches are also being installed where feasible, to mitigate energy waste in unoccupied areas.
Other prospective conservation measures being considered include:
- Solar film on windows.
- Reflective roof coatings.
- Insulation upgrades to IECC standards during roof replacements.
- Increased R-value insulation
- On-site renewable energy sources (solar, wind, geothermal)
Water
TXDPS will continue to replace existing hardware with more efficient, low flow devices when opportunities are presented (e.g., sink, faucet and toilet replacements).
TXDPS is implementing xeriscaping on all new designs and layouts.
IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
TXDPS attempts to implement energy conservation measures whenever possible. As renovations occur in agency buildings, the TXDPS will install energy conservation devices whenever feasible and when resources allow.
AGENCY FINANCE STRATEGY
TXDPS will continue to request funding from the Legislature for energy conservation endeavors. Additionally, the department will seek opportunities to obtain grants or rebates (for the installation of conservation devices) from energy providers and municipalities.
EMPLOYEE AWARENESS PLAN
The Texas Department of Public Safety’s General Manual clearly outlines conservation measures in Chapter 16: Building Use and Energy Conservation. Additionally, ideas, policies and new protocols are sometimes disseminated through agency-wide e-mail distribution.
