Continuous Commissioning® and Energy Management Control Strategies at Alamo Community College District

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of energy savings through the optimization of facility Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems for the college campuses of the Alamo Community College District. This Continuous Commissioning® process includes energy management control strategies that focus on utility rate structures. Detailed commissioning activities of the College district and Central Plants are discussed and documented, and overall savings are provided. Continuous Commissioning® (CC®) of the Alamo Community College District (ACCD) main campuses located in San Antonio, Texas began in June 2002. The three largest campuses, San Antonio College, St. Philips College, and Palo Alto College underwent the CC® process. The project was completed in August of 2006. The success of the initial project created the opportunity to expand the CC ® process throughout the college district. Utility data was provided by the Alamo Community College District in conjunction with the local municipal utility company. ACCD’s enterprise energy strategy to achieve persistence of savings is to closely monitor savings deviation and by training facility HVAC personnel at each campus in the Continuous Commissioning® processes as well as the District-wide metering of individual building energy consumption; and the development of a strategic, District-wide Energy Management Plan.