Texas Wesleyan is ready to start utilizing advanced generation technology from its new power plant (above) to create its own energy, marking the completion of the $6.2 million energy-saving project launched last year. Read coverage from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram here.

Watch 2020 Vision in Focus video

Beginning next month, Texas Wesleyan will be able to generate its own energy, thanks to a new Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system that is projected to save the university $377,000 annually on utility costs.

“At the university’s main electrical meter, we are reducing our demand for electricity from the state grid by about 80 percent,” Brian Franks, executive director of facilities development and operations, said.

Texas Wesleyan is one of the first universities in North Texas to utilize such power, a growing cost-savings trend that is equally good for the environment.

“We are committed to improving our campus for the benefit of our students and the community,” President Frederick G. Slabach said. “Part of that commitment is to make environmentally-sound investments that will benefit generations to come.”

Campus-wide energy-saving upgrades

The system is part of a campus-wide, $6.2 million energy-saving infrastructure development project with The Way Companies that promotes environmental stewardship and reduces energy waste.

• New state-of-the-art irrigation system controls the use of water throughout the university grounds.
• Improvements to 1,290 toilets, urinals, faucets and showerheads conserve water and improve water usage efficiency.
• 1,559 interior and exterior lighting fixtures upgraded with LED lighting technology, and HVAC controls in 16 campus buildings replaced and upgraded, to reduce energy consumption.
• Computer power consumption is significantly reduced by running computer load management software.
• The CHP system uses distributed generation to capture otherwise wasted heat from the engine and exhaust, and, using clean-burning fuels, turns it into usable energy.

Remarkable energy and water savings

• Total energy savings for the project is more than 7.2 million kilowatt-hours per year, which is equivalent to saving 5,596 tons of carbon dioxide per year. This is the same as removing 1,054 cars from the road or powering 689 homes per year.

• Total water savings is projected to be 7.1 million gallons per year, which is equivalent to 11 Olympic-size swimming pools or the average annual water use for 79 homes.

2020 Vision

Campus Enhancement and Financial Vitality are key components of the University’s 2020 Vision, a strategic plan which serves as a blueprint for building a firm foundation for the future of Texas Wesleyan. Watch the new 2020 Vision in Focus video, featuring the energy-saving project.