Sept. 21, 2004: Lamar University Awards Performance Contract To TAC
The performance contract calls for infrastructure improvements at Lamar University that will provide consistency across the campus with mechanical systems and controls, making them easier to maintain and operate, says TAC. Facilities involved in the contract total more than 1.5 million square feet, including classrooms, gymnasiums, theaters and auditoriums, a museum, a health center, and a bookstore, among others.
Energy conservation measures include chiller, air handler, and boiler replacements; an extensive retrofit to upgrade the lighting to T8 fluorescent lamps and electronic ballasts; and water conservation measures such as replacing and retrofitting plumbing fixtures and parts.
"The aging mechanical infrastructure and increased deferred maintenance were taxing the ability of Lamar University's facilities staff to keep occupants comfortable and costing more to maintain and operate," said Dean Meyer, president of TAC Americas. "The performance contract will be funded using guaranteed energy savings that are a direct result of the efficiency improvements implemented in this project. This means that no additional university funds are required and decreases the need for capital dollars in the future."
"The expanded energy management system will improve comfort in campus facilities for students, faculty, and staff," said Mike Ferguson Jr., vice president for Finance and Operations at Lamar University. "This will allow the university to upgrade our campus facilities over a two-year period rather than 15 years. The university's goal has been to decrease maintenance costs and increase energy efficiency in the facilities and, with TAC, it will now be possible."
TAC began installation in July 2004 and the project is anticipated to take two years to complete. All university facilities will remain open through most of the project and every effort will be made to minimize disruption for students and staff, according to Meyer.
The TAC Vista® energy management system that will be installed at Lamar is based on the LonWorks® data communication protocol for building automation and control networks. TAC Vista combines environmental controls with facility and energy management features to deliver a single, interoperable open solution, says the company.
"Lamar University will not only gain improved working and learning environments but also guaranteed energy savings, which will allow the university to direct funds to academic programs instead of utilities," said Meyer.
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For more information, visit www.tac.com.
Publication date: 09/20/2004
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