TSU Announces Power-Green Sustainability Initiative

Texas Southern University will save an estimated quarter of a million dollars ($225,000) per year as the result of initiating an aggressive sustainability program this year. Working through a partnership with BigFix Power Management Software and Tenabes, TSU will be able to implement, monitor and report on power configurations that will provide immediate savings through the reduction of power consumption on all the university’s computing assets.

TSU is believed to be the first higher education institution in Texas and the first Historically Black College & University to adopt a BigFix Power Management-based green computing solution.

Through the new program, a single server will allow Texas Southern to monitor the current power consumption on all of its 3,800 computers, and to adjust the settings globally or based on the specific needs of the campus, office, or location. TSU will also be able to provide optimal power configuration to turn off monitors, place systems in stand-by, or turn off computers during evenings and weekends resulting in savings between $35 to $45 per computer. Savings are recurring, providing longer term benefits and cost reductions.

Dr. John M. Rudley, president, Texas Southern University, said: “It is a critical time for the environment and energy conservation should be a concern for organizations of all types and sizes. At Texas Southern University, sustainability is a number one priority. The Tenabes BigFix-based power management solution is an important tool for us to achieve our comprehensive sustainability goals by enabling the university to save a substantial amount of money by conserving electricity while reducing our carbon footprint.”

Dave Robbins, BigFix chairman and CEO, said: “We’re proud to be an integral part of Texas Southern University’s sustainability program. We’ve seen substantial interest and adoption of power management technology by educational institutions in the past two years. Schools and universities like Texas Southern University are setting an example for environmental responsibility for all of us.”

Gloria Walker, COO for Texas Southern University stated, “There are a number of positive benefits to the University as a result of this first initiative. The cost savings is a huge benefit. A second benefit will be realized when TSU qualifies for rebates from its electrical provider making it possible to place funding in the University’s Scholarship Fund. The rebates received from this initiative will be applied to other critical areas of the University. So, we are excited that we’re on the cutting edge of this technology that is proving to be a major first step for TSU.”

Billy Rector, Chief Information Officer for TSU, said: “Anytime the University can position itself for the future and save money at the same time that’s plus. Through this initiative with BixFix and Tenebes TSU will track its computer systems, making if possible to be accountable, while operating in a more efficient manner.”

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Texas Southern University was founded in 1926 and became a state institution in 1947. Texas Southern possesses an impressive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, a diverse faculty, more than 80 student organizations, and an alumni network comprised of educators, entrepreneurs, public servants, lawyers, pilots, artists, and more, many of whom are change agents on the local, national and international stage. Nestled upon a sprawling 150-acre campus, Texas Southern has served as a cornerstone for developing the greatest potential in leaders from various socioeconomic, cultural, and racial backgrounds. Texas Southern is located in the heart of the city, giving its students and faculty easy access to the Museum District, neighboring educational institutions, the Texas Medical Center, downtown Houston, two major airports and all of the city’s major freeways. More than 9,487 students, along with nearly 1,500 faculty and staff comprise the University’s community making it one of the nation’s largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s). For more information, visit www.tsu.edu.