Program of the Year Nominees

TEMA wants to recognize an energy management program committed to sustainability that exemplifies what it takes to be a steward of energy management in the public sector. This award goes to an organization whose program not only exemplifies strong technical understanding but manages all of the nuanced challenges of an energy management program, getting support from various stakeholders and establishing internal and external partners while implementing sound energy conservation strategies. This program exhibits outstanding performance and presents a good example for others to follow.

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ACU is passionate about energy management and continuously seeks opportunities to enhance their energy program.   With the rising cost of higher education, the operations division is helping reduce that cost by reducing the cost of utilities and extending the life of the mechanical systems on campus.

ACU has a 100% renewable electrical contract with TXU through 2030 and they participate in both the TXU Greenback Program and AEP's CleaResult SCORE Program for incentivized rebates.  They have over $11 million dollars in cost avoidance since partnering with Cenergistic in 2014 and the university has achieved a 27.4% overall utility savings.  The operations team also participates in a demand response program with EnelX and work to reduce the 4CP charges during the summer months.

ACU has recently entered into a long-term energy-as-a-service partnership with Bernhard Engineering where they have replaced over 16,000 light fixtures with LED's, performed retro-commissioning, working to install new DDC controls (Automated Logic) in several buildings and replacing old mechanical equipment with more efficient models in several of the buildings around campus. ACU and Bernhard Engineering are also installing an 18-megawatt solar array over the next two years that will offset the electrical usage on campus and generate additional revenue for the university. 

Additional Information

Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (CFISD) continues to set the benchmark for excellence in education and operational efficiency. Recognized as a Superior-rated district by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for the 22nd consecutive year, CFISD remains dedicated to student success, innovation, and sustainability. As the third-largest school district in Texas and the second-largest in the region, CFISD serves 119,592 students across 95 campuses, with a total of 120 facilities. Despite its vast size, CFISD has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to energy efficiency, setting a precedent for sustainable practices among large school districts.

Excellence in Energy Management

CFISD has consistently led the way in energy conservation and cost reduction, achieving remarkable milestones over the past two decades. Most notably, the district has successfully reduced its energy consumption costs from $1.22 per square foot to $1.07 per square foot within one year, resulting in budget savings of $1,541,151.27. These achievements are particularly impressive given the district’s growth of 1 million additional square feet from 2022 to 2024.

Key energy efficiency accomplishments include:

·   12.5% reduction in Energy Use Intensity (EUI) through a 5.5 KBTU per square foot decrease.

·   7% reduction in energy budget, leading to over $3 million in cost avoidance.

·   A strategic goal of positioning CFISD among the top 10 school districts in energy efficiency by 2024.

·   Recognition as an energy leader among Texas ISDs through ongoing sustainability initiatives.

Sustainable Financial Stewardship

CFISD has leveraged incentive programs and cost-saving strategies to maximize financial efficiency while reducing its environmental footprint. The district has capitalized on multiple energy rebate programs, securing over $3 million in funding since 2006 through the SCORE - School Conserving Resources initiative. Additional financial achievements include:

·   $500,000+ in energy rebates from TXU since 2019.

·   $700,000+ from Demand Response ERCOT & CenterPoint incentives since 2020.

·   $1.1 million from TXU Economic Response incentives since 2010.

·   $450,000 in invoice disputes, savings, and credits in 2024 alone.

·   Annual departmental reimbursements totaling $860,000, including contributions from Club Rewind, Kitchen, and Facility Rentals.

Future Goals and Commitments

CFISD has developed a robust strategic plan to further enhance its energy efficiency and increase operational savings, ensuring long-term sustainability. Future objectives include:

·   Reducing operating costs to $1.06 per square foot, saving an additional $2 million annually.

·   Expanding incentive and energy programs, with an expected annual increase of $300,000.

·   Implementing new sustainability initiatives such as retro-commissioning, advanced building controls, and enhanced energy audits.

·   Reorganizing the Energy Management Department, allocating $1.5 million for efficiency improvements.

By implementing these strategic energy initiatives, CFISD projects a $10 million savings over the next five years, with an additional $1.6 million increase in incentive funding.

Conclusion

CFISD’s unwavering commitment to energy efficiency, financial stewardship, and sustainability makes it an exemplary candidate for this award. The district’s proactive approach to energy management has not only resulted in significant cost savings but has also reinforced its reputation as a leader in sustainable school operations. With a proven track record of excellence and a vision for continued innovation, CFISD is highly deserving of this recognition for its outstanding contributions to energy conservation and operational efficiency.

Dallas ISD has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic energy management in its participation in Reliant’s RED Price Response Program. Over the past year, the district has successfully earned nearly $600,000 by strategically decreasing energy consumption across its over 200 campuses during Economic Dispatch events. Their continued participation and increasing success each year highlight their commitment to energy efficiency and responsible resource management.

Key Achievements:

• Significant Financial Impact: The district earned nearly $600,000 in incentives by effectively reducing energy consumption during critical grid events. All of this with $0 capital expenditure.

• Strategic Program Modifications: This year, Dallas ISD implemented key changes to its participation, including:

o Requesting that earned incentive payments be issued via check instead of as a bill credit.

o Allocating all earned funds directly to the facilities budget, providing much-needed financial support for infrastructure and maintenance.

o Annual review of meters that are dependably controllable and curtailable and adjust volume participation levels accordingly (this year the participation level was increased from 20 MW to 24 MW)

• Cross-Departmental Coordination: Successful implementation required collaboration between Energy Management, Facilities & Maintenance, and Operations Chiefs, ensuring district-wide support for reduction events.

• Outstanding Load Reduction: During Economic Dispatch events, the district achieved an average reduction of nearly 24 MW, significantly decreasing strain on the ERCOT grid.

• Environmental & Grid Benefits: By reducing demand during peak constraints, Dallas ISD not only contributed to grid stability but also helped minimize reliance on inefficient and high-emission generation resources, reducing environmental impact.

Conclusion:

Dallas ISD's proactive approach and innovative strategies in the Reliant RED Price Response Program have yielded substantial financial and operational benefits. Their efforts serve as a model for other districts seeking to optimize energy management while supporting grid stability and sustainability. We proudly nominate Dallas ISD for recognition of their outstanding achievements in energy efficiency and demand response.