University of Houston researchers are collaborating with the Harris County Office of County Administration’s Sustainability Office to establish a comprehensive baseline of energy use for the county’s assets. This initiative aims to track energy consumption and evaluate energy-saving measures over time, promoting programs that will reduce energy usage and enhance the use of renewable resources in county buildings. Over the past year, the team identified significant energy-saving opportunities within county facilities, resulting in over $230,000 in annual electricity savings. Future plans include implementing automation upgrades, LED installations, and solar energy projects, with goals to reduce electricity usage by at least 5% annually and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% within five years. This collaboration highlights the importance of applying research to address real-world challenges, ultimately aiming for a more sustainable energy future for Harris County.