Resources for a More Efficient Texas
Conserve Central Texas is a cooperation between the State Energy Conservation Office(opens in new tab) and the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG)(opens in new tab), is intended to serve as a clearinghouse to easily locate resources and tools that support efforts to conserve resources in various sectors and measure progress.
About Conserve Central Texas
Conserve Central Texas is a regional clearinghouse of resources, tools, and case studies related to water and energy efficiency topics. While these resources are likely most relevant to local governments and public sector institutions, the general public and private industries may also find these resources valuable. The growth in Central Texas makes reducing energy and water consumption and improving transportation efficiency critical to ensuring that these increased demands can be met by existing infrastructure. Building new infrastructure, whether water reservoirs or electric generating plants, is expensive, time consuming, and potentially disruptive. However, if everyone can be a little more conscientious about how they use water and energy, Central Texas can continue providing a high quality of life for all residents.
By the Numbers
Energy
Texas ranks 6th in the nation for energy consumption per capita. The demand for energy use is growing across Central Texas with the ever-increasing population. In order to reduce energy consumption and increase energy efficiency, entities must evaluate their energy usage. Here are tools, resources, and case studies to support local governments, educational institutions, and public and private entities’ efforts to implement programs to reduce energy use and increase energy efficiency in the public and private sector.
The Texas LoanSTAR (Saving Taxes and Resources) Revolving Loan(opens in new tab) finances energy-related, cost-reduced retrofits of facilities supported by the state, including public school districts and public colleges and universities, as well as units of local government such as counties, cities, towns, public hospital taxing districts or political subdivisions (10 Tex. Gov. Code §2305.032). Borrowers receive low interest loans to help pay for these efforts. Applicants repay the loans from the energy cost savings realized by the projects.
Water
Central Texas relies heavily on both groundwater and surface water for its supply—around 54% of the water comes from aquifers (such as the Edwards Aquifer that serves Austin–San Antonio) and about 43% from rivers, reservoirs, and lakes like the Highland Lakes (Lakes Buchanan and Travis). With Central Texas growing fast, it's important to adopt strategies to reduce water use and increase water efficiency across many sectors.
Here, you can find water reduction case studies, tools, and resources offering guidance to local governments, educational institutions, and public and private entities.
Purpose: The Technical Assistance Program (TAP) from the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) offers local governments resources pertaining to energy efficiency. Through contracts with energy engineering firms, SECO is able to provide technical assistance to eligible entities on energy and water related matters. This page contains details on eligibility, as well as other programs that entities may be suited for.
Preliminary Energy Assessments (PEAs) identify cost-effective energy efficiency measures that help reduce utility consumption and operating costs. The State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) provides these assessments at no cost to eligible public entities—including municipalities, counties, school districts, hospitals, port authorities, major airports, public water authorities, and municipally owned utilities—for qualifying public administrative, educational, and infrastructure facilities they own and operate.
Upcoming Workshops
Attend our workshops to learn practical strategies, discover available resources,
and connect with experts dedicated to conserving water and energy across Central Texas.
Event 1 - Building a More Sustainable Central Texas
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Conserve Central Texas connects organizations with trusted resources, practical solutions, and educational opportunities that promote water and energy conservation across the region.
Event 2 - Building a More Sustainable Central Texas
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Conserve Central Texas connects organizations with trusted resources, practical solutions, and educational opportunities that promote water and energy conservation across the region.
Recent News & Resources
Moving Central Texas Forward: Smarter Transportation
This workshop explored how transportation planning and efficiency can support the region’s rapid growth without placing unnecessary strain…
Building Smarter: Energy Efficiency in Action
Focused on reducing energy use in public buildings and community spaces, this workshop explored cost-effective efficiency improvements, energy-conscious…
Water-Wise Communities: Planning for a Growing Central Texas
This workshop brought together local leaders and community partners to explore practical strategies for reducing water consumption as…