Energy Strategic Plan for Texas A&M University at Galveston

Texas A&M University at Galveston recognizes energy conservation and sustainability efforts as the responsibility of the entire campus community including faculty, staff, and students. It is incumbent upon all campus members to strive to reduce energy consumption in an economical and environmentally sound manner. The purpose of this strategic plan is to establish guidelines for faculty, staff and students in promoting effective consumption and sustainability of energy resources that will result in both cost savings and a positive environmental impact.

Air Conditioning and Heating

• During scheduled building hours year around, all air-conditioned offices and classrooms will be cooled and heated to the following pre-determined temperatures: 

• 73 degrees for cooling: 68 degrees for heating 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
• 80 degrees for cooling: 65 degrees for heating 8:00 pm – 6:00 am

• During the evening, weekends, and holidays, the temperature in all buildings will be set at a level that will allow the campus to efficiently and economically conserve energy.
• Cooling and heating of academic buildings will be provided during off-hours as approved by the Vice President and CEO or designee. Each Department Head’s office must provide the Physical Plant with a list of individuals in each department authorized to request off-hour/holiday cooling. The Physical Plant must be notified with the dates, time, and location of special events, at least 48 hours in advance. The request should be kept to a minimum to assure the most efficient and economical operation of the facilities.
• Personal space heaters shall not be permitted.

Lighting

• Lights are to be turned off in unused areas.
• Fluorescent bulbs are to be used in desk lamps, instead of halogen or incandescent bulbs.
• Occupancy sensors are to be installed wherever possible and when economically feasible in renovation and construction projects.

Computers/Printers

• Computers and printers shall be turned off at the end of each work day unless the computer is to be accessed from a remote location.
• Computers and printers shall be turned off when the computers labs are closed.
• Computers shall be set up in the energy saving mode of operation.
• Computer sleep modes shall be enabled on computers or turned off and your monitor should be turned off when not in use.
• Computer labs are to have only the computers that are in use turned on.
• Printed page limits will be established to reduce the amount of paper used in computer labs, classrooms and offices.

Energy Efficient Products Procurement

• Computer and other electronic office equipment shall be “Energy Star” rated, if available. This logo, part of an EPA program, ensures that the wattage of machine is reduced when not in use.
• Capital equipment purchases must carry the highest energy efficiency rating that is economically feasible.
• Energy procurement methods such as aggregating and bulk contracting shall be utilized whenever possible.

Construction

• All construction projects shall be reviewed for energy efficiency and proper light levels, which are designated by the industry standard and adopted by the Physical Plant.
• Renewable energy technologies as well as day lighting and passive solar are to be incorporated when feasible.
• Utility meters to monitor the energy and water consumption are to be installed in new and renovated facilities.
• New construction and renovation projects must meet Commercial energy Code Compliance. 
• The Energy Management Systems Policy shall be followed for all construction projects.

Recycling

• Any paper, cardboard, aluminum, plastic, or glass product that is not reusable shall be recycled:

• This also includes the set-up of recycling stations for batteries, floppy disks, and printer cartridges, as well as cans and bottles and mixed paper. 
• This includes but is not limited to making double-sided copies, increased use of electronic mail instead of memos, reuse/resale of surplus furniture, etc.

• Recycling stations will be established for all recyclable materials/waste.
• All possible economic and environmental benefits from recycling shall be sought.
• Whenever economically feasible, products will be purchased from vendors who sell products and packaging that are made from recycled products and are recyclable.
• Bids and purchasing contracts shall be revised to reflect the University's commitment to primarily purchase products from recycled material.
• Only use disposable products when absolutely necessary.
• Encourage recycling among colleagues and, if knowledgeable  
  about recycling, share information and encourage compliance.