MILWAUKEE - Lone Star College System, the second largest community college system in the state of Texas, is updating facilities across eight campuses to be more comfortable, safe, and sustainable for students, staff, and visitors. Johnson Controls is overseeing the energy savings program that is projected to save more than $65 million in energy costs over the next 20 years.

Water conservation measures, plumbing system upgrades, and HVAC improvements will impact eight college campuses and university centers, including LSC-North Harris, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Tomball, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-University Center, Fairbanks Satellite College, LSC-CyFair, and LSC-University Park. The college system is expected to realize utility reductions of 27 percent in electricity, 12 percent in natural gas, and 28 percent of water resources.

“As one of the largest community college systems in Texas, we needed an energy efficiency solution that could be implemented across multiple campuses and facilities,” said Cindy Gilliam, vice chancellor of Administration & Finance for Lone Star College System. “Through an innovative funding mechanism, Johnson Controls has helped us realize significant utility cost savings, while creating a healthier learning environment for students and faculty.”

The energy savings program is part of a performance contract with Johnson Controls that enables Lone Star to significantly reduce its energy costs and carbon footprint. Those savings repay the project capital investment over the term of the contract without increasing its operating budget. Additional funding for the project is being secured through energy rebates from utility organizations, CenterPoint Energy and Entergy Texas.

Additional enhancements include solar window film, updated vending machines, and direct digital controls upgrades to the Metasys® building management system at the North Harris campus. Lighting improvements and mechanical retrofits will be installed at the University Park center, as well as the North Harris campus.

“With so many campus locations to upgrade, Lone Star should be commended for the steps it’s taken to reduce its environmental impact,” said Jim Simpson, director of higher education, Johnson Controls. “Using our energy efficiency solutions, the college system will realize significant utility cost savings and carbon reductions, while maintaining a high-quality learning environment for future generations.”

For more information, visit www.johnsoncontrols.com.

Publication date: 01/18/2010