TAMIU’s Commitment to Water, Energy Efficiency Offers Model, Substantial Conservation Yields for Laredo
A commitment by Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) to creating an efficient and resilient campus for its students, faculty, staff, and community is yielding major conservation wins – including the reduction of TAMIU’s water consumption by 24.8 million gallons annually.
TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz said TAMIU hopes to lead by example and show how reducing the University’s carbon footprint, optimizing energy use, and minimizing water use offers a model for resource stewardship.
“By taking proactive measures, we can advance conservation measures here. Considering our current water dilemma in Laredo and thoughtful discussion about secondary water resources, we’re proud that TAMIU’s annual reduction of water consumption is the equivalent of filling an Olympic-sized swimming pool 42 times over. And better yet, we’re developing future initiatives that will permanently reduce our water consumption by 30%,” Dr. Arenaz said.
He said the University’s commitment has been realized through an ambitious energy and water conservation journey with Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management and automation.
“Since 2017, we’ve worked with Schneider to realize a number of proactive conservation measures, including installing water-efficient fixtures by implementing low-flow faucets and valves; implementing landscaping strategies by planting drought-resistant plants and installing efficient irrigation systems; educating students and staff by hosting Earth Day events to help raise awareness about water conservation -- and as a higher education institution, promoting behavioral changes by encouraging students and staff to implement water-wise behaviors into their daily lives to reduce water waste,” Arenaz explained.
He said these measures have helped propel TAMIU to achieving its long-term goals.
“Through these measures, we’ve reduced campus-wide utility consumption by 33%. Translated to individual users, that 33% reduction equates to the annual water consumption of 680 U.S. citizens, the annual electricity use of 838 homes, and a one-year removal from the road of 14,910 cars,” Arenaz noted.
He said the University strongly believes its commitment can offer a model that betters not only TAMIU but Laredo.
"These are challenging times, with growing concerns about water and energy consumption. At TAMIU, our commitment to water and energy conservation highlights our leadership in resource management. By continuously innovating and adopting efficient practices, we aim to set a high standard for higher education across the nation and make a positive impact locally and globally," Arenaz concluded.
To find out more, contact TAMIU’s Office of Public Relations, Marketing, and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu, call 956.326.2180, or click on tamiu.edu.
To learn more about Schneider Electric, TAMIU’s partner in conservation and energy management, visit se.com.
Summer and Fall 2024 Registration at TAMIU is now underway. View the registration schedule here: https://www.tamiu.edu/registrar/registration
To learn more about the University’s Registration processes, visit the dedicated Registration Hub at https://go.tamiu.edu/registration.
Summer Semester II begins Monday, July 8, 2024. The first day of classes for the Fall 2024 semester is Monday, Aug. 26, 2024.
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