Energy Use On Campus
The University uses energy to power everything across campus, including large equipment in places like labs and healthcare areas, where they need a lot of power.
Energy is used in grounds and facilities maintenance and operations, for transportation, and food production and storage. The University also uses energy to produce steam and chilled water, which are then used to control the temperature inside buildings.
In 2025, the San Marcos campus consumed 106,260,871 KWH of electricity and 364,517 MCF of natural gas. This is a reduction of 10% in electricity consumption and an increase of 1.8% in natural gas consumption compared to 2022.
Heating and Cooling
At Texas State University, we have thermal plants located across campus that generate steam and chilled water using imported electricity and natural gas. In 2025, they produced more than 33.6 million tons of steam/hot water and 36.7 million tons of chilled water. These plants run continuously to provide the university with heating and cooling needs.
West Plant
Reporting and Conservation
ENERGY CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
The purpose of the Energy Conservation Committee is to advise methods of conserving energy and generate public support and cooperation for energy conservation efforts on campus. Participants receive annual updates regarding campus efforts to reduce utility cost and consumption.
Representatives for the committee include members of student government, staff council, and faculty.
ENERGY AND WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
Texas State University submits an annual report to the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO). State law directs each state agency and institution of higher education to set percentage goals for reducing its usage of water, electricity, gasoline and natural gas. These goals are included in a comprehensive energy and water management plan (EWMP).
Total energy consumption
per unit of floor area:
| Site energy | Source energy | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance year (2022) | Site energy 0.09 MMBtu per square foot | Source energy 0.18 MMBtu per square foot |
| Baseline year (2011) | Site energy 0.11 MMBtu per square foot | Source energy 0.22 MMBtu per square foot |
For additional information about the TXST's 2022 STARS report click below!
Energy Conservation Days
Energy Conservation Days allow TXST to reduce campus energy consumption by setting temperature controls to “unoccupied” settings. These adjustments utilize our building automation systems to maintain temperatures at a wider range than typical, between 60 degrees and 80 degrees. Occupants may expect the building to be cooler or warmer than usual, depending on outside temperatures.
Buildings may opt-out upon request. If a building manager decides to shorten the time/dates that building temperatures are set-back, Facilities Services will work with them to meet their operational needs.
Participation in this campus-wide effort helps TXST reduce utility costs and lower our impact on the environment through conservation. A list of upcoming Energy Conservation Days can be found on the TXST Holiday Schedule.