Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google


Texas A&M To Save $1.1 Million Annually Through Efficiency Upgrades

Texas A&M and Siemens have entered a $15.1 million performance contract guaranteed to save the university $1.1 million dollars in annual energy and operational costs.

A performance contract allows an institution to make efficiency upgrades and pay for the cost with guaranteed annual energy savings.

The two-phase project is being funded by two low interest loans made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and administered by the Texas State Energy Conservation Office.

Jim Riley, director for utilities and energy management at Texas A&M University, said, "The combination of performance contracting and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) enables the university to get these projects started now and more quickly achieve efficiency improvements."

Phase I, funded by a $10 million dollar loan, began in January and includes upgrades and retrofits to 24 campus facilities, including:

  • Optimization of the building automation system;
  • Better control of HVAC systems;
  • Installation of occupancy sensors;
  • Mechanical system improvements in 17 buildings; and
  • New lighting technologies in some buildings and in all five campus parking garages.

The $1.1 million in annual efficiency savings from Phase I improvements is guaranteed by Siemens for 10 years.

According to ARRA guidelines, the construction must be completed by December 2011, use American-made products whenever possible, and submit quarterly reports to SECO.

Phase II began shortly after Phase I and includes similar work to seven additional buildings. It is being funded with a $5.1 million loan, and is guaranteed to save $500,000 per year.

Since 2002 Texas A&M's College Station campus has reduced energy consumption by 35 percent while increasing the area served by 18 percent. Water consumption has also been reduced by 33 percent since 2000.

About the Author

Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • digital lock with circuit patterns

    IBM Announces New AI-Powered Cybersecurity Tools

    IBM has announced an expanded portfolio of AI-powered cybersecurity products, positioning the company to compete more aggressively in a rapidly evolving market where enterprises are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to defend against automated cyber threats.

  • Neon email icon hangs from chain with fishing hook below.

    Phishing Report Emphasizes Importance of Building a Security Culture

    While cybersecurity teams have invested heavily in e-mail protection, endpoint security, and identity controls, new research from Fortra suggests one challenge remains difficult to solve: users.

  • Blue digital wireframe classical building structure

    Before AI, Fix Your Data

    Institutions don't have to solve every data problem before they can begin using AI responsibly. But they do need to treat information as a strategic asset — not a byproduct of operations — and start building toward AI-ready data now.

  • Dana Brunson facilitates a roundtable discussion with research and higher education IT leaders

    Internet2: Closing the Access Gap for Research Cyberinfrastructure

    Internet2's Research Engagement Team brings CIOs and other campus technology leadership together with research computing and data facilitators, forming a community that enables research cyberinfrastructure at institutions of all types and sizes.