PROGRESS REPORT
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired’s (TSBVI) facilities management, maintenance, housekeeping and janitorial services were statutorily transferred to the Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) during the 82nd and 83rd legislative sessions. While TFC controls the day-to-day upkeep of buildings and infrastructure equipment on campus, TSBVI still pays the costs of monthly utilities consumed on the 41-acre campus. TSBVI works with TFC on developing energy-conservation and cost reduction strategies that result in more efficient energy use and a better value to the taxpayers of Texas.
Additionally, TSBVI takes the following actions to effectively manage utility resources:
- Use a majority of lights with motion sensors, so lights turn off when rooms are unoccupied.
- Use exterior doors that automatically shut and lock per campus security.
- Replace lightbulbs with compact fluorescent or LED lights whenever possible.
- Discourage the use of space heaters whenever practical per risk management.
- Discourage coffeemakers, microwaves, refrigerators and other small appliances except in designated areas.
Fleet fuel savings include:
- Combining trips to reduce total miles driven.
- Transitioning from older Ford 8-cylinder vans to newer Transit 4 and 6 cylinders.
- Emphasizing our preventative maintenance program.
- Using electric golf carts and only purchasing electric when replacing old carts.
- Using vans in place of buses for transporting work program students.
GOALS
Not reported.
| Utility | Target Year | Benchmark Year | Percentage Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 2025 | 2022 | 3% reduction |
| Electricity | 2025 | 2022 | 3% reduction |
| Transportation Fuels | 2025 | 2022 | 3% reduction |
| Natural Gas | 2025 | 2022 | 3% reduction |
STRATEGY FOR ACHIEVING GOALS
TSBVI is collaborating with TFC to explore methods to be energy and water efficient. We plan to use their energy management professionals/program to help us achieve our goals. We continue to work with TFC on construction projects including HVAC upgrades, weatherproofing the exterior of buildings and around windows, programming thermostats for efficiency and replacing and repairing exterior walls and roofs. In addition, we are completing energy audits on buildings receiving HVAC repair and replacement to ensure energy efficiency.
IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
Looking at data over the past three years, TSBVI has seen a reduction in utility costs. Although that was partly due to the pandemic and reduced staff on campus, fiscal 2022 had all students and staff back and still saw a reduction from fiscal 2020. The school has seen a decline in its fuel usage due to needing to charter buses for student transportation. The need for charters is directly related to our inability to hire drivers ourselves. By not having drivers, we reduce the demand on our fleet, but the cost of chartering is also high. The chief finance officer will review monthly and quarterly utility costs as a standard component of the school’s budget administration. The strategies mentioned above are already being implemented on our campus; however, TFC’s energy management consultation program currently has a waitlist. We will work with TFC on that specific aspect when they are available.
AGENCY FINANCE STRATEGY
By state statute, TSBVI is completely dependent upon TFC successfully requesting and receiving state appropriations during each legislative session for additional deferred maintenance activities to be supported on the TSBVI campus. As part of its recent Legislative Appropriations Request for the upcoming 88th legislative session, TSBVI has requested exceptional item funding in the interest of safety and security to install a generator system on campus. We have also requested a small amount of funding to install a handful of vehicle charging stations in the hopes of supporting recruitment and retention of our employees with long commutes and electric cars.
EMPLOYEE AWARENESS PLAN
Monthly utility billings are reviewed for accuracy by business office staff to identify any adverse trends or inappropriate usage increases or decreases. TSBVI security officers routinely patrol all areas and buildings on the campus, frequently securing doors left ajar, unplugging unnecessary appliances and quickly alerting TFC maintenance staff of any water leaks or major equipment malfunctions. Broken irrigation pipes and other water leakage are quickly identified, reported and remedied.
