The objective and purpose of the TFC Office of Energy Management (OEM) Program is to identify and implement strategies to achieve energy and other utility savings in all State facilities managed by the Texas Facilities Commission while maintaining healthy and comfortable working environments.  

 The OEM works across the Texas Facilities Commission’s multiple teams to achieve its goals; from reviewing repairs and equipment replacements for Operations and Maintenance, to implementing initiatives for the TFC Building Automation and Controls program, to consultation with the project managers on strategies for new construction and maintenance projects.  

• Building Automation Systems 

  The Texas Facilities Commission pays for the utility cost for State facilities. To effectively control these costs, every facility managed by the Texas Facilities contains building automation systems that report to a statewide utilities database. The building controls systems include but are not limited to chilled water and hot water systems, lab environments, zone temperature control, water treatment processes, lighting control, and building supply and exhaust air control, and energy metering. Through sensors placed throughout the facilities, the Building and Management Automation team monitors and can remotely adjust the various energy systems in the facilities. For example, the team can remotely increase the temperature if a room is too cold. Motion sensors control the lighting in offices to conserve energy and sensors in unconditioned spaces alert the team when temperatures drop to levels where plumbing pipes could freeze and burst. The Building and Management Automation team also monitors and maintains the building network connectivity for building controls, fire controls, and security systems within the TFC building inventory. 

  Plant Operations 

  For State facilities in Austin, the OEM provides twenty-four, seven days a week monitoring and service of the central plants that provide chilled water and steam to various buildings. The Plant Operations team is also responsible for twenty-one stand-alone systems in buildings that do not receive chilled water or steam from the central power plants. 

  Energy Assessments and Reporting 

  The TFC OEM employs a systematic method for assessing existing building equipment/systems and planning upgrades directed towards improving energy efficiency. The OEM assesses emerging alternative energy and energy conservation solutions and their application when possible. The OEM provides regular reporting to the Texas Facilities Commission commissioners and governor’s office about current status and future plans for energy conservation initiatives, utility usage, and maintenance projects related to energy and resource conservation. The OEM also organizes regular meetings for the TFC Energy Work Group and Resource Conservation Committee. Each of these groups support energy management and conservation strategies.  

  Resources 

  • State Energy Conservation Office (SECO): http://www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us/ 

  • Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy: http://energy.gov/eere/office-energy-efficiency-renewable-energy 

  • Energy Star: http://www.energystar.gov/ 

  • United States Environmental Protection Agency: http://www.epa.gov/ 

  • Austin Energy: http://www.austinenergy.com 

  • Energy Star Guidelines for Energy Management https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/tools-and-resources/energy-star-guidelines-energy-management

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