Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Merced College to Invest in Sustainability

  • By Matt Jones
  • 03/18/21

California community college Merced College has partnered with Johnson Controls to upgrade the campus infrastructure and target deferred maintenance problems. In an effort to improve sustainability and the student experience on campus, Johnson is set to manage the design, procurement and installation of energy-efficient central plant and lighting retrofits, as well as upgrade campus building automation systems (BAS) and mechanical systems.

The partnership marks the first infrastructure project in the state enabled by a contingent payment program (CPP), an arrangement that allows the college to transfer all risk to Johnson and that requires no upfront cost for the work. This alternative to traditional debt financing is set to save the college more than $6.4 million in energy costs and helps it redivert funds to other campus upgrades and student resources.

“In making these campus-wide improvements, Merced College will maximize operational efficiency and sustainability, all while creating cost savings that can be redirected elsewhere,” said account executive for higher education at Johnson Controls, Jason Culver. “And by taking advantage of a CPP, they can reduce the amount of bond funding needed for their renovation without compromising on innovation or performance.”

Merced’s existing central plant is approaching the end of its lifespan, causing increased service calls and risking campus closures caused by chiller failures. Johnson will install a new chiller, refurbish two of the existing chillers and cooling towers, and integrate OpenBlue Central Plant Optimization software to finally tackle deferred maintenance issues and improve energy efficiency.

“Merced College seeks to ensure our facilities and technology planning are aligned with sustainable and efficient industry standards,” said Merced College President Chris Vitelli, Ed.D. “Johnson Controls partnership, support and resources will help lead these efforts and ensure we have more productive and efficient strategies to serve our students better.”

On top of update to the college’s central plant, Johnson will also upgrade interior LED lighting and stadium lighting. The project is set to reduce campus carbon dioxide emissions by more than 1.5 million pounds per year. “Merced College is known for its incredible workforce development and training programs, and exemplary student achievements,” said Culver. “By upgrading campus environments with advanced LED lighting and continuing to deliver an optimal space for education, Merced College is investing in the student experience for current and future generations.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Round Rock ISD Completes New Early College High School

    Round Rock ISD near Austin, Texas, recently announced that construction is complete on a new, 46,500-square-foot campus for Early College High School, according to a news release. The new facility will allow the school’s students and staff to move from portables into a permanent building and increase its enrollment to 500.

  • Houston-Area High School Breaks Ground on 117,000SF Multi-Use Facility

    North Shore Senior High School, part of Galena Park ISD in Houston, Texas, recently broke ground on a new multi-use facility for student extracurriculars, according to a news release. The North Shore Multi-Use Facility will include dedicated practice and training space for the school’s athletics and fine arts programs.

  • Harvard Announces Replacement Facility for Native American Program

    Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., recently announced that construction will begin this spring on a new home for its Native American Program, according to university news. The 6,500-square-foot, all-electric building will stand three stories and serve as the central hub for the Harvard University Native American Program (HUNAP).

  • California K–12 District Finishes Renovations on Multi-Sport Stadium

    The Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) in Alameda, Calif., recently announced the completion of a renovation project on the Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School stadium, according to a news release. The district partnered with Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and Bothman Construction on the facility, and funding came from Bond Measure B.