Greater San Marcos Partnership gets behind Net Impact

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
March 13, 2012

The Greater San Marcos Partnership (GSMP) and the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce are lending support to the Texas State University-San Marcos Net Impact Program’s 2012 Green Impact Campaign by helping them align their program with local companies.

“We are hoping that San Marcos will become a flagship for business energy conservation and reduced energy costs,” said Janet Hale, Texas State professor and Net Impact advisor.

Students from Texas State Net Impact, a service group committed to making a positive difference in the world with sustainable projects relating to economic, environmental and social issues, are offering free energy audits to local businesses and non-profits that are looking to potentially reduce their operating costs and minimize their energy use.

“It is truly exciting to see students working on a project that helps improve the bottom line for local business and, at the same time, is sustainable over the long-haul,” said Amy Madison, president and CEO of the Greater San Marcos Partnership. “Members of the chamber and the Greater San Marcos Partnership stand to gain--and the students have opportunity to interact with the business leaders and learn how they operate. It’s definitely a win-win.”

The free energy audits are administered by student members of Texas State Net Impact and consist of a limited number of questions regarding all areas of energy usage on the premises. Student survey takers use a custom smartphone app to enter the information, which is then turned into an easy to understand report containing confidential data that serves to guide businesses in lowering energy use and saving money.

“Here is a group of enterprising leaders who have not only come up with a great idea, but they can and already are implementing for the San Marcos community,” said Brian Bondy, San Marcos Chamber of Commerce president. “It's yet another reason why Texas State University and its' students are such an integral part of the community."

The Texas State Net Impact Program is one of only 20 chapters from around the world to be selected to conduct this audit.