Energy Infrastructure

Energy Infrastructure

Initiative and Definitions

Initiative

Shift to resilient, low-carbon energy infrastructure

LEAD: Office of Facilities Management
with support from the Office of Sustainability

Definition

The key element of U T A’s future is charting a path toward low-carbon operations. This section is an integration of much of what has been discussed before: high-performance buildings, improving resiliency on campus, understanding the constraints around the Texas grid, and tying them together to create a cohesive narrative around transitioning the university away from fossil fuels. This plan proposes a hybrid solution, leaving some legacy infrastructure in place to accommodate unforeseen peaks and extreme scenarios, but focuses primarily on the development of low-carbon options to guide U T A’s future development.

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Strategies

Near goal indicator  Action Items: 2

  • Use the EnergyStar Portfolio Manager to benchmark and calculate energy project savings for all campus buildings
  • Match all purchased electricity generated by fossil sources with Green-e certified R E Cs

Middle goal indicator  Action Items: 3

  • Transition thermal networks to low-temperature hot water at the building
  • Electrify building operations once power purchasing has been secured
  • Align major energy projects with campus master plan development

Long goal indicator  Action Items: 3

  • Utilize university power purchase contract to purchase green energy
  • Ensure all purchased energy is sourced from verified clean and renewable sources
  • Deploy solar power generation where possible - Install solar panels across campus including on both roofs/parking and coordinate opportunities for solar to provide shading