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Feeling the Heat of Higher Utility Bills, UTSA Unveils "Conserve Energy Campaign" "The escalating pricetag for lights, heat and air-conditioning is not limited to our individual residences or the State of California, it's also a serious problem for this institution,"said Ernest DeWinne, associate vice president for financial affairs. "From fiscal year 2000 to 2001, UTSA will face a $1.1 million increase in utility costs for the Tri-Campus community." Fortunately for the university, UTSA is currently implementing an Energy Performance Contract, which involves replacing and retrofitting campus lighting, replacing standard plumbing fixtures with water conserving upgrades and improving utilities infrastructure for better performance. "We already have saved more than $300,000 with the current program, but UTSA needs to do more to save energy and lessen the size of our utility bill," DeWinne added. The $1.1 million increase in utility costs is significant for an institution such as UTSA, which could otherwise use that amount of money to establish from 15 to 20 faculty positions or dramatically increase the number of scholarships and fellowships available to students, according to DeWinne. To raise awareness about the challenge facing the institution, UTSA's Office of Business Affairs with the support of offices and programs throughout the university is launching a "Conserve Energy Campaign" to encourage faculty, students and staff to help the Tri-Campus community conserve energy. "Every attempt to save energy is helpful," said George Morales, director of facilities services, who on a recent Friday counted 70 empty classrooms with lights turned on. "When someone leaves his or her office, it is best to turn the lights out. Small, individual efforts combined with infrastructure upgrades will help relieve pressure on the university's budget," Morales said. As part of the "Conserve Energy Campaign," offices, divisions and programs are asked to select area coordinators who will advise their area about conservation efforts at UTSA. During the campaign, UTSA Today, UTSA Update and In the Loop will provide energy saving hints and facts about the cost of utilities at UTSA. "The high cost of utilities at UTSA is a concern for all of us in the campus community," emphasized President Ricardo Romo. "I ask that everyone volunteer and assist with this effort to conserve energy and save valuable resources." Send
your comments and items to: UTSAToday@utsa.edu.
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Few
faculty, students or staff members are immune to the rising costs of
staying warm at home this winter, and UTSA's three campuses are also
facing the same financial challenge.