Impact of the Texas A&M University- Kingsville's Industrial Assessment Center in South Texas

Abstract

An Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) was established at Texas A&M University-Kingsville in November 1993 by the U. S. Department of Energy. The Center is managed by the University City Science Center, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. During the period of November, 93 through July, 96 the Center conducted 65 energy audits of small and medium sized manufacturing plants in South Texas. The Center's chief purpose is to serve the energy and waste related needs of small and medium sized manufacturers. The findings were reported to the manufacturers, together with estimates of their savings, implementation costs, and payback periods. By the end of July, 1996, the center had performed 65 industrial survey and had recommended over 388 Energy Conservation Opportunities (ECOs) and 53 Waste Minimization Opportunities (WMOs). During this time, the IAC estimated energy savings totaled 158,906 MMBtu/year (7.6 percent of total energy usage) for a total savings of over $1.89 million (9.3 percent of total energy costs). The waste assessment audits have estimated a total of $1.14 million in waste reductions costs (10.5 percent of total waste related costs). This paper describes the Center, its mission, and its impact in South Texas. The estimated average savings per plant including energy and waste reductions was approximately $81,030/yr.