The Challenge

• Scope: 164 facilities in Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Annual Spend: $20M on electricity, gas, and water
• Footprint Growth: +9.46% increase in square footage during the 10-year period
• Objective: 20% reduction in water and energy consumption in 10 years, without compromising the learning environment

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The Solution: Cufflink in Action

APS formed the Water & Energy Conservation Committee (WECC) and the APS Energy Team to take on this challenge. Mountain Vector Energy partnered with them to:

• Establish baselines and performance metrics
• Track over 300M data points annually across utility systems
• Provide real-time cost visibility using patented Cufflink technology
• Identify opportunities for optimization (boiler controls, HVAC upgrades, irrigation management, occupancy scheduling, leak detection, solar installs, etc.)
• Educate students and staff through the Energy Wise campaign

Regular progress reviews with APS leadership and WECC ensured accountability and momentum.

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The Results

APS not only met but surpassed its 10-year goals:

• $18.5M in avoided utility costs
• $3.6M in net financial savings
• 12.6% electricity reduction per square foot
• 25.16% natural gas reduction per square foot
• 14.81% reduction in total water use (442M gallons saved)
• $1.76M recovered through rebates, credits, and grants
• $3.6M generated through facility rental fees to offset costs

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Lasting Impact

APS has become a recognized leader in sustainability and regularly shares its success story at conferences like the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) and the DOE Better Buildings Summit.

Most importantly, APS has embedded sustainability into its educational mission—engaging students, teachers, and the community in energy conservation.

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Awards

2019 – Environmental + Energy 100 List presented to Tony Sparks by the Environment and Energy Leaders Institute.

2019- Best of Green Schools Award in Policy Maker category presented to Karen Alarid by the Green Schools National Network and the Center for Green Schools (at the U.S. Green Building Council).

2017- Region IV Energy Manager of the Year Award presented to Tony Sparks by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).

2016- Region IV Institutional Energy Management Award presented by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).

2015- Better Buildings Challenge Partner formally acknowledged by Ernest Moniz, U.S. Energy Secretary, DOE (Department of Energy). APS leaders were invited to present at the Better Buildings Summit in Washington, DC.

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