Utilities and Energy Management (UEM) has been recognized by nationally and internationally renowned industry-related associations and organizations. We thank our hard-working staff for making this possible. To view articles on some of the following achievements, please visit the News and Events page.
Recent Awards and Industry Recognition
2020 PEER Certification Renewal
View the scorecard.
2018 System of the Year Award
View the award submission.
CCJ 2012 Pacesetter Plant Award
Learn more.
Additional Awards & Recognition
History of Achievements
- Platinum-level PEER renewal certification by Green Business Certification Inc. (2020)
- Optimum Energy recognition for chilled water plant efficiency, 2020
- Honorable Mention for innovation, 110th Annual Conference and Trade Show of the International District Energy Association (2019)
- District Energy System of the Year Award, International District Energy Association (2018)
- PEER Certification by Green Business Certification Inc. (2015) View case study.
- Pacesetter Plant Award by the Combined Cycle Journal for The University of Texas at Austin Carl J. Eckhardt Heating & Power Complex (2012)
- Corporate Energy Management Award for Region IV by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) (2010)
- Global District Energy Climate Award, International Energy Agency (2009)
- Award of Excellence for Outstanding Achievement in District Energy by the International Energy Agency (2009)
- Texas Environmental Excellence Award by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for outstanding efforts in environmental protection and pollution prevention in the state of Texas (2008)
- Certificate of Recognition by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts-State Energy Conservation Office for the university’s efforts in energy efficiency and improving the air quality in the state of Texas (2006)
- Energy Star System of the Year Award for 2005 presented by the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy for excellent leadership in energy use and management (2006)
Construction & Plant Upgrades
- American Council of Engineering Companies of Texas Engineering Excellence Award (Building/Technology Systems Silver Medal) for The University of Texas at Austin Chilling Station 7 (2017)
- The Excellence in Construction Award by the Central Texas Chapter Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. for The University of Texas at Austin Thermal Energy Storage Facility Pump Station and Site Restoration (2011)
- Steel Tank of the Year/Special Storage Systems: The University of Texas at Austin by the Steel Tank Institute/Steel Plate Fabricators Association (2011)
- The Excellence in Construction Award by the Central Texas Chapter Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. for The University of Texas at Austin Gas Turbine No. 10 & HRSG No. 10 (2010)
- Engineering Excellence Awards (Gold Medal Winner/Texas and National Finalist) by the American Council of Engineering Companies for the university’s project: Hal C. Weaver Plant Upgrades (2006)
- The Excellence in Construction Award by the Central Texas Chapter Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. for The University of Texas at Austin Utility Infrastructure Renovation (2004)
EPA/CHP Partnership Recognition
- Certificate of Avoided GHG Emissions by Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in recognition of The University of Texas at Austin's contribution to efficient U.S. energy production (2011)
- Certificate of Partnership GHG Reduction by CHP and EPA in recognition of The University of Texas at Austin's contribution to efficient U.S. energy production (2010)
- CHP Greenhouse Gas Reduction Report by CHP and EPA in recognition of the emission reductions of the university’s CHP Project(s) (2009, 2007, 2006)
- Certificate of Partnership by CHP, EPA, and IDEA in recognition of efforts to improve the environmental performance of power generation in the United States through the promotion of pollution-preventing district energy and combined heat and power (2002)
Design Projects
- Recognition by The University of Texas at Austin Mechanical Engineering Department for support of these design projects:
- Exhaust Stack Heat Recovery System for UT Gas Turbine (2011)
- Energy Audit Method for UT Campus Chilled-Water Consumption (2010)
- Heat Exchanger Performance Model for Chillers (2010)
- Reverse-Osmosis Feed Water Preheating System (2009)
- Water Recovery System for the Hal C. Weaver Power Plant (2008)
- Thermal Energy Recapture for Power Boilers (2008)
- Analysis of Gas-Turbine Blade Air Cooling and Supporting Systems (2007)
- Utilities Fuel Oil Distribution System (2006)
- Survey Assessment and Recommendations of Existing Steam Trap Equipment and Operation (2006)
- Waste Heat Recapture in a Heat Recovery Steam Generator (2006)
- Superheater Drain Water Collection System (2005)
- Sediment Removal System for Cooling Tower Basins (2005)
- Motor Database Creation and Economic Analysis (2005)
- Improving Cogeneration with Reverse Osmosis (2004)
- Cavitation Elimination in Cooling Water Pumps at The University of Texas at Austin Power Plant (2004)
- Chemical Delivery System for University System Chilling Stations (2004)
Individual Achievements
- Robert W. Galvin Award for Performance Excellence in Electricity Renewal (PEER) to Juan Ontiveros (2016)
- Norman R. Taylor Award by the International District Energy Association (IDEA) to Juan Ontiveros (2012)
- Pacesetter Award by APPA to Juan Ontiveros (2010)
- Texas Association of Physical Plant Administrators (TAPPA) Outstanding Service Award presented to Miles Abernathy (retired) in appreciation of outstanding service, dedication and support of the facilities industry (2007)
- The Rex Dillow Award by APPA/Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers to Leonard Friesenhahn for the Outstanding Article of 2004-2005: "The University of Texas Sewer Rehab: Using Trenchless Technologies"
- Certificate of Appreciation by IDEA to Juan Ontiveros for promoting energy efficiency and environmental quality through the advancement of district energy and for contributing to IDEA (2004)
Additional Recognition
- Certificate of Partnership by CHP and EPA in recognition of efforts to improve the environmental performance of power generation in the United States by supporting combined heat and power.
- Recognition of Excellence in Pretreatment by the City of Austin Water and Wastewater Department (2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997)
- Certificate of Appreciation by The University of Texas at Austin to UEM for supporting and contributing to the Economic Opportunity Forum (2002)
- ICI Conservation Award by the Water Conservation Division Water and Wastewater Department, City of Austin (2001)
- Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (1998)
- Reclamation and Reuse Award by the Water Conservation Division of the Planning, Environmental, and Conservation Services Department, City of Austin (1996)
- Conservation and Reuse Award, Direct Program for a Non-Utility by the American Water Works Association (1995)
- Recognition of Exemplary Water Conservation Programs by the Texas Water Development Board (1993)