UTSA Implements Additional Energy Conservation Measures

(June 6, 2017) – As part of an overall effort to be good stewards of our financial and natural resources, we are studying ways to reduce our energy consumption and costs.  Utility rates have been climbing.  Natural gas rates are up 18% over last year, electricity is up 5%, and water rates rose 11%.  To reduce the impact of those changes on UTSA’s budget, we need to take steps to reduce utility costs overall.

The university will implement additional energy conservation measures throughout campus buildings.  These measures will include the immediate introduction of building temperature setbacks overnight and during periods of low occupancy.  Off-hour cooling set points will be increased in academic and administrative buildings.  Research facilities or areas of critical operations, such as data centers, will not be affected by these setbacks.

We ask that the UTSA community help in conservation efforts through actions such as turning off lights when leaving the office or conference room and powering down office equipment and computer monitors when not in use.  Save water by not running the water when lathering up during hand washing.  Walking up two floors and down three promotes health and saves elevator energy.  We should also limit purchasing to energy-efficient office and other equipment.

Additionally, if you identify any areas of inefficiency and/or waste or have a suggestion for saving energy or water, please contact the Facilities Service Center at FacilitiesServiceCenter@utsa.edu or 210-458-4262.

We are currently developing other strategies for reducing energy costs such as a conservation-based thermostat policy, and we may engage outside consultants to assist the university. We thank you for doing your part to save energy and reduce our expenses.

The table below lists the buildings and hours in which temperatures and fan speeds will be set back.

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