"Officials at West Texas A&M University have made movement toward becoming a more energy-friendly campus as a result of the latest meeting conducted by The Texas A&M University Board of Regents.
Four approved energy service companies (ESCO) were invited to campus to participate in a preliminary utility audit for 30 buildings on campus totaling 2,232,104 square feet as well as two off-campus facilities – Palo Duro Research Facility and First United Bank Center – totaling 125,377 square feet.
Ameresco was selected to conduct the investment grade audit and shared an evaluation of costs and benefits for potential improvements. A project was created to reduce energy costs, replace capital budget items and address key comfort and learning environment improvements for students, faculty and staff.
“The project costs are paid from guaranteed energy savings which are projected to be at least $1,102,935 per year,” Stan Pena, director of facility and construction at WTAMU, said. “There will be improvements to 31 buildings on campus including retrofits or replacements of all interior and exterior lighting with new high efficiency light emitting diode technology.”
The energy audit included two parts – data collection of use and operation of premises and a report of analyzed current energy consumption at the premises. The suggested project will improve systems pertaining to air distribution, chilled water and plumbing fixture as well as interior and exterior lighting.
“A project like our ESCO will cut back on energy and water dependence as newer, energy saving equipment will replace equipment that used more resources,” Randy Rikel, vice president for business and finance at WTAMU, said. “Less dependence on these resources will help our environment in the long run while still providing our students a safe and secure place to study, live and learn.”
Expected annual savings include more than 9 million kilowatt hour (kWH) for electricity consumption, more than 48 thousand one million British Thermal Units (MMbtu) in natural gas consumption and more than 9 million gallons of water consumption. The project is evaluated on technical and financial requirements and projects savings of more than $15 million annually, guaranteed by Ameresco.
This project was approved by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents last month, and the performance contract was reviewed by TAMUS’ Office of General Counsel, WTAMU Chief Financial Officer and a registered professional engineer unaffiliated with the contract."
-West Texas A&M University
