Foster Energy Efficiency
Energy that comes from natural resources or processes that are constantly replenished (e.g., solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal).
What is renewable energy?
Also known as drinking water, this comes from surface and ground sources and is treated to levels that meet state and federal standards for consumption.
What is potable water?
This waste mitigation strategy is available to staff at Austin HQ. Food waste is collected in green collection bins around the building and paper towels are collected in the restroom.
What is composting?
This type of device is available at three TPWD sites, including two state parks.
What is an electric vehicle charging station?
This type of garden can incorporate native plants that conserve water, enhance biodiversity, and support local ecosystems for bees and butterflies.
What is a pollinator garden?
This energy efficient technology has widespread use across TPWD sites in all divisions. It uses at least 75% less energy, and lasts up to 25 times longer, than traditional equipment.
What is an LED bulb?
A water conservation strategy that collects this to reduce the site’s use of potable water for such uses as irrigation and toilet flushing.
What is rainwater?
Many TPWD sites with fishing available often collect and recycle this near water sources and docks, usually in containers made of PVC pipe.
What is monofilament / fishing line recycling?
This TPWD system is used for the entry, approval, and management of vehicle and equipment usage data in accordance with TPWD vehicle usage policies and procedures.
What is the Fleet Management System (FMS)?
This is the name of the Sustainability Branch instagram account, which has almost 2,000 followers!
What is @tpwd.sustainability?
This system is used to track utility bills for TPWD sites across the state.
What is Engie?
This proactive strategy, required by TCEQ for certain entities, is designed to manage and mitigate the impacts of drought, ensuring sustainable water use and resource allocation.
What is a drought resiliency plan?
The seven principles of this provide an easily understood framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors, from remote wilderness areas to local parks.
What is Leave No Trace?
Switching to this method of powering outdoor equipment can reduce emissions, noise, operating costs on fuel/oil.
What is battery-powered?
Submitted annually to this entity, the Energy and Water Management Plan is a comprehensive plan that sets and reports TPWD’s percentage goals for reducing its usage of water, electricity, natural gas, and transportation fuel.
What is the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO)?
The number of solar panels on top of the Austin HQ building.
What is over 400? Exact count is 405.
Many TPWD state parks and WMAs utilize this water conservation strategy in backcountry areas, primitive camping sites, and areas without utilities.
What is a vault or compost toilet?
This is the most preferred strategy in the waste management hierarchy.
What is source reduction & reuse?
This is a public health alert issued by environmental agencies, like TCEQ, when conditions are predicted to contribute to high levels of ground-level ozone pollution. Voluntary actions that reduce emissions that contribute to ozone formation include: limiting vehicle use, avoiding refueling during peak hours, reducing electricity usage, postponing outdoor activities, and limiting use of gas-powered equipment.
What is an Ozone Action Day?
The Sustainability Branch collaborate with the Infrastructure Division to update this guidance document made up of resource conservation strategies that are used during new construction of TPWD buildings, where feasible.
What is the sustainability design checklist?
The percentage goal for reducing the agency’s overall electric usage to be achieved by 2030.
What is 5%?
The percentage goal for reducing the agency’s overall water usage to be achieved by 2030.
What is 10%?
This design and philosophy principle is defined as “the conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.”
What is zero waste?
The percentage goal for reducing the agency’s overall transportation fuel usage to be achieved by 2030.
What is 5%?
The number of TPWD sites that are dark sky certified. Bonus points if you can name them all!
What is seven?
Black Gap WMA & Devil’s River SNA = Internship Dark Sky Sanctuaries
Big Bend SP, Caprock Canyon SP, Copper Breaks SP, Enchanted Rock SNA, and South Llano River SP = International Dark Sky Places