University of North Texas

PROGRESS REPORT

The University of North Texas (UNT) has made notable progress in energy management despite significant campus expansion. Since 2010, the university has grown to 7.9 million gross square feet, adding over 1 million square feet of space. In parallel, UNT has maintained a strong focus on monitoring and optimizing its utility consumption, routinely tracking electricity, water, sewer, irrigation and natural gas usage. A key performance metric used is the Source Energy Use Index (EUI), which reflects the university’s overall energy efficiency. Between fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2024, UNT successfully reduced its EUI from 229 kBTU per square foot to 187.6 kBTU per square foot, marking an 18.07 percent improvement.

This achievement is supported by the deployment of Schneider Electric’s smart energy metering and monitoring infrastructure, which has enhanced transparency and enabled more accurate cost allocation across campus buildings. Additionally, UNT has been undergoing major Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) renovations since 2021, which are projected to yield energy savings of 5 percent to 10 percent. Complementing these efforts are a series of Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs), including retro-commissioning, lighting upgrades, building envelope repairs and window replacements, which are expected to contribute an additional 2 percent to 15 percent reduction in building energy consumption. Together, these initiatives reflect UNT’s commitment to sustainability, operational efficiency and responsible growth.

GOALS

The University of North Texas (UNT) has established a clear and measurable energy management goal. Using fiscal 2019 as its benchmark, UNT has committed to achieving a minimum of 1 percent reduction annually in both its Energy Use Index (EUI) and Energy Cost Index (ECI) across the entire campus. This strategic target reflects the university’s dedication to sustainability, operational efficiency and cost control. Since the 2019 baseline, UNT has already demonstrated substantial progress, with marked reductions in both EUI and ECI, indicating that the campus is not only consuming less energy per square foot but also spending less on energy relative to its size and usage.

These improvements are the result of a multifaceted approach that includes infrastructure upgrades, smart metering deployment and targeted conservation measures. By maintaining this annual reduction trajectory, UNT aims to further decouple energy consumption from campus growth, ensuring that future expansions do not compromise environmental responsibility or financial stewardship. This goal also aligns with broader institutional priorities around climate action and resource optimization, positioning UNT as a leader in higher education energy management.

STRATEGY FOR ACHIEVING GOALS

To achieve its long-term energy reduction goals, the University of North Texas (UNT) is implementing a multifaceted strategy that combines infrastructure planning, technology deployment and operational optimization. Central to this approach is the development of a 10-year Campus Utility Master Plan, which serves as a blueprint for major infrastructure improvements and system replacements across campus. This plan ensures that future growth is aligned with sustainability and energy efficiency objectives.

UNT entered into a service agreement with Schneider Electric in fiscal 2022 to maintain and optimize its building automation systems, which are critical for regulating environmental conditions and implementing conservation measures. The university is also focused on improving the operational efficiency of its buildings by targeting HVAC systems, lighting and building envelopes. A key initiative includes the replacement of all high-mast exterior lighting with LED fixtures, enhancing both campus safety and energy savings.

To monitor and manage utility performance, UNT uses the EnergyCAP platform to track utility costs by building, vendor and customer, while Schneider’s Power Monitoring Expert system provides real-time data from meters across campus, enabling technicians to make informed decisions during system adjustments. Beyond building systems, UNT is working with departments to right-size its vehicle fleet, replacing older models with more fuel-efficient alternatives and recommending electric or hybrid vehicles when appropriate. These coordinated efforts reflect UNT’s commitment to achieving its annual energy and cost-reduction targets through strategic planning, data-driven decision-making and sustainable practices.

IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

The University of North Texas (UNT) maintains a structured and ongoing implementation schedule to support its energy management goals, primarily through its Capital Improvement Program. Major Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) renovations are conducted annually and are forecasted to continue over the next five years, targeting critical infrastructure upgrades that enhance building performance and energy efficiency.

To support data-driven decision-making, UNT has installed energy and water meters on all campus buildings, enabling comprehensive monitoring of utility consumption. Each month, the recorded data is compared against the building’s baseline benchmark year to identify any deviations in usage patterns. This continuous feedback loop allows UNT to proactively address inefficiencies, validate the impact of conservation measures, and ensure alignment with its strategic energy reduction targets. The integration of metering infrastructure with platforms like EnergyCAP and Schneider’s Power Monitoring Expert system further strengthens UNT’s ability to track, analyze and respond to utility trends in real time.

AGENCY FINANCE STRATEGY

UNT’s financial strategy for energy and infrastructure improvements is built on a foundation of structured capital planning, targeted funding and proactive operational investment.

Historically, the university has leveraged its Capital Improvement Program to drive efficiency upgrades across campus facilities. This approach continues with a series of major projects, including MEP renovations at Clark Hall and Crumley Hall, campus-wide lighting upgrades, and the Music Building Jazz Laboratory renovation, funded through a mix of auxiliary and higher education funds.

To further institutionalize energy management, UNT has compartmentalized fixed budgets of $300,000 each for commissioning and metering. These dedicated funds enable the university to proactively identify inefficiencies, validate system performance and ensure accurate utility tracking.

By integrating these financial commitments with long-term planning — such as the 10-year Campus Utility Master Plan — UNT ensures that energy reduction goals are supported by sustainable funding mechanisms, strategic procurement (including a $650,000-saving PPA with the Texas General Land Office), and continuous investment in smart infrastructure and data-driven operations.

EMPLOYEE AWARENESS PLAN

To support its energy reduction goals and foster a culture of sustainability, UNT has implemented a comprehensive employee awareness and engagement strategy.

In fiscal 2020, UNT released an official policy on energy use, establishing a framework for responsible consumption and conservation across campus. Since then, the university has continued to educate the campus community through coordinated efforts led by the university’s marketing and communication team. These efforts include awareness campaigns, informational materials and outreach initiatives designed to promote energy-conscious behavior.

Building representatives are regularly informed of potential cost-saving opportunities through established communication channels, enabling them to act as liaisons between Facilities Management and building occupants. Additionally, Facilities Management employees receive targeted training on energy conservation measures they can implement in their daily work environments. This includes best practices for operating HVAC systems, lighting controls and other building infrastructure in ways that support UNT’s sustainability objectives. Through these combined efforts, UNT ensures that energy efficiency is not only a technical goal but also a shared responsibility embraced by the entire campus community.