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

  • Deferred Maintenance Issues Growing at Universities, Gordian Reports

    U.S. colleges and universities are falling increasingly behind on facilities maintenance and repair, according to Gordian’s 13th annual State of Facilities in Higher Education report. The deferred capital renewal burden has reached $156 per gross square foot, an 8% increase over the previous year.

  • South Carolina District Starts Construction on $50M Middle School Renovation

    The Aiken County Public School District in North Augusta, S.C., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the $50-million renovation and expansion of North Augusta Middle School, according to a news release. The project’s funding comes from the 2024 renewal of a one-cent sales tax approved by local voters.

  • Chartwells Launches Campus Dining Evaluation Framework

    Contract food-service management provider Chartwells Higher Education recently announced the launch of BLUEPRINT, according to a news release. The evaluation framework was designed to provide a data-driven and customizable roadmap towards optimizing campus dining services and, by extension, the student experience.

  • Moline-Coal Valley School District to Consolidate Two Schools into New Facility

    The Moline-Coal Valley School District in Moline, Ill., recently broke ground on a new elementary school that will consolidate the students and staff from two existing schools, according to local news. Robert Ontiveros Elementary School will serve as the new home for Lincoln-Irving Elementary School and Willard Elementary School.