PROGRESS REPORT
The Facilities/Utilities Department at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) at Fort Worth and Schneider Electric completed a $10 million Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) to support cooling demand and energy conservation for current and future campus programs and infrastructure. The ESPC provides $424,912 in annual avoided costs to UNTHSC over the course of the 20-year contract. This is the third project phase between Schneider Electric and UNTHSC focused on expanding the university, avoiding major costs and increasing operational savings, all while improving campus aesthetics. The Phase I and II projects have had a utility savings of $11,657,980 since August 2010. It was the goal of UNTHSC to reduce kBtu/square foot 20% by 2020 with a baseline year of 2009. UNTHSC is currently 26.2% below the baseline of 2009.
GOALS
UNTHSC's goal is to reduce all four utilities by 1% every year.
| Utility | Target Year | Benchmark Year | Percentage Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 2025 | 2020 | 1 |
| Electricity | 2025 | 2020 | 1 |
| Transportation Fuels | 2025 | 2020 | 1 |
| Natural Gas | 2025 | 2020 | 1 |
STRATEGY FOR ACHIEVING GOALS
- Part of the Energy Savings Performance Contract was a $2 million system controls upgrade. New energy management system software has been installed, and controls technicians and building operators have been trained. This new software brings in three different Schneider Electric legacy systems into one human-machine interface for better control and efficiency.
- Research and Education Building (RES) replacement of Air Handling Unit 5.
- Energy metering upgrades to all major campus buildings.
- Carl E. Everett Education and Administration Building and RES chill water pipe reinsulating.
IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
All projects will be complete in fiscal 2026.
AGENCY FINANCE STRATEGY
Projects will be funded by Higher Education Fund (HEF) funding.
EMPLOYEE AWARENESS PLAN
Vice President of Operations Seth Willmoth has taken an active role in making university faculty and staff aware of utility conservation efforts. Campus-wide notices have reminded personnel to turn off computers when not in use as well as lights when leaving conference rooms, offices, labs, classrooms, etc. Occupancy sensors have been placed in all offices, public restrooms, corridors and applicable conference rooms. Notices have instructed faculty and staff not to prop open exterior doors.
UNTHSC's Office of Sustainability has introduced the Lab Efficiency Action Program (LEAP) to encourage labs to be more sustainable through efficiency, conservation, safety and collaboration. LEAP is a voluntary program in which laboratories earn points for operating in ways that accomplish program goals. Labs are provided with a checklist of credits from six different categories such as energy efficiency and waste reduction. Once the points are tallied, labs get certified in one of four levels. Based on the earned certification, the lab will be awarded a $500 to $3,000 grant.
The Sustainable Office Certification (SOC) is a new program through HSC Sustainability, a student-funded initiative through Facilities Management. SOC highlights sustainable practices in office environments and offers a framework with resources to implement them. Offices are recognized and awarded based on the number of actions they complete. The program aims to realize operational cost savings through reduced resource consumption and improved operational efficiencies; promote practices that reduces waste and encourages sustainable purchasing; and support employee well-being by providing healthier products and opportunities for movement.
