Partners

MPE PARTNER HIGHLIGHTS

CITY PUBLIC SERVICE

CPS’ is showcasing its dedication to renewable energy and green building with several examples of sustainable construction. The Solar Power Station consists of 200 photovoltaic’s that acts as covered parking for the Institute of Texan Cultures. The Power Station is capable of producing 10 kilowatts electricity from the sunlight. The station also consists of an interactive exhibit that provides information on the benefits of solar power. The Northside facility includes 7,000 square feet of solar panels, 2K photovoltaic and 5K solar thermal; a 30,000-gallon rainwater reclamation system; energy efficient and green design; and a computer controlled energy management system.

CPS is a leader in Renewable Energy with 4% of it’s energy is derived from renewable energy sources. This includes wind, solar and alternative energy sources such as fuel cells. CPS offers its customers the option of wind energy, purchased from Desert Sky wind farm, whose 107 turbines are capable of providing enough energy to power 35,000 homes.

New: CPS’s program for affordable, clean energy

CPS Diesel Trucks Roll Out New Year using Cleaner TXLED Fuel

CITY OF SAN ANTONIO

The City has funded affordable housing projects that incorporate solar hot water heating. It has also instituted energy efficiency retrofits throughout its large stock of buildings and facilities. In 2004 the city of San Antonio adopted its Energy Efficiency Plan. This plan provides examples of energy efficiency measures that can be applied in areas such as lighting, temperature control, infrastructure, renewable energy and alternative fuels.

BEXAR COUNTY

The Bexar County Adult Detention Annex houses the world’s largest linear solar thermal hot water system. It can heat 500,000 gallons a month to 140°, and has projected annual savings of $76,000. In addition, applicants for bond funds at the Bexar County Housing Finance Corporation have the opportunity to receive enhanced down payment assistance if their home contains some green building features. The County also tries to include green features in the affordable homes it builds.

SAN ANTONIO WATER SYSTEM

SAWS has reduced its water consumption by 32% over the past 16 years through a combination of outreach and system maintenance. The agency subsidized the conversion of 24,000 high flow toilets to low flows in 2001, which is expected to save 250 million gallons per year. Its $7 million conservation budget and 16 person dedicated staff allows for implementation of outreach and rebate programs. The latest, “Welcome Home” program, subsidizes installation of xeriscaped landscapes.

VIA METROPOLITAN TRANSIT VIA has a long-term goal of zero emissions and is working capably toward that end. In 1994 it began its propane Para-Transit fleet. Its recent purchase of 139 buses exceeding the Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) will provide a 78% reduction in NOx. An upcoming renovation of the agency’s refueling facility is expected to provide a 7.6% reduction in overall energy use. VIA will use solar PV to power its newest Park and Ride facility.

ALAMO AREA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS

AACOG has taken a lead role in educating its constituency about the requirements of the Texas Emissions Reduction Act (Senate Bill 5). The agency coordinates San Antonio Clean Cities, a program of the U.S. Department of Energy that helps local fleets transfer over to alternative, less polluting fuels. AACOG also operates a home weatherization program for low-income families.

SOLAR SAN ANTONIO

Solar San Antonio is a regional leader in the promotion of renewable energy. The nonprofit works with CPS and the San Antonio Development Agency to install solar hot water systems in affordable housing. It received an award from the U.S. Economic Development Agency to study South Texas as a Center of Excellence for economic development through renewable energy.

OTHER PARTNERSHIPS:

GREATER BEXAR COUNTY COUNCIL OF CITIES
U.S. EPA ENERGY STAR
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
U.S. DOE REBUILD AMERICA PROGRAM
STATE ENERGY AND CONSERVATION OFFICE (SECO)
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY ENERGY SYSTEMS LABROATORY
BROOKS ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY LABORATORY (BESL)
SAN ANTONIO SUSTAINABLE BUILDING COALITION
FANNIE MAE SAN ANTONIO PARTNERSHIP OFFICE