COMPANY: Johnson Controls Inc.

INSTALLATION: Metasys building management system and HVAC components

COMPLETION: Completed

CUSTOMER: Ave Maria University, Ave Maria, Fla.

OBJECTIVE: Incorporate IT operations and facility operations into one group and to combine the university’s IT infrastructure, fire, security, HVAC, and building control systems on a common platform.

DESCRIPTION: Unlike traditional contracting with multiple subcontractors installing separate proprietary systems, technology contracting involves appointing responsibility for planning, designing, installing, integrating, commissioning, and servicing technology systems throughout an enterprise to a single, qualified party. The responsibility extends to all low-voltage systems such as fire, security, HVAC and building automation, lighting, communication and specialty systems. As Ave Maria University’s technology contractor, Johnson Controls oversaw the design and installation of a Cisco IP backbone, as well as all the technology that resides on the network. LonMark, an open data protocol, allowed equipment from various vendors to be installed and integrated on the same infrastructure. As a result, unnecessary networks and cabling were avoided.

“My idea of an intelligent building is one that not only meets your immediate expectations but can embrace future technologies as they are developed …”
- Bryan Mehaffey, Ave Maria University VP

Publication date: 05/04/2009