PITTSBURGH - The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) announced that it has awarded Johnson Controls Inc. a $55 million contract to serve as the technology contractor for the construction of its $575 million, multi-building Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Johnson Controls said it will be the single point of contact for the installation, integration, and commissioning of all low-voltage network and building systems, "to ensure collaboration, optimization of technologies, and efficient installation."

The company will work directly with the hospital and design team to oversee the project from concept through construction, including commissioning more than 20 systems. Technology systems include a Metasys® building management system, fire and security, network, telecom, and data systems. A wireless infrastructure will allow the hospital to operate multiple technologies on a single system, the manufacturer said, "and a robust integrated solution will provide connectivity for clinical and nonclinical applications to improve workflow, staff productivity, and patient outcomes."

"Our management of technology installation and focus on integration will help UPMC achieve its objective of creating a future-ready hospital that provides world-class patient care," said Joe Walicki, vice president and general manager, North American systems, Johnson Controls.

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The new campus is comprised of a clinical services building, research building, and two parking garages.

The contract also covers the retrofit of two medical office buildings and the expansion and retrofit of the central plant, which includes York® chillers and air handlers that were purchased separately. Construction completion is expected in December 2008.

Johnson Controls' building and software documentation technologies is expected to be used to assist UPMC in obtaining and maintaining Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for the clinical services and research buildings. LEED is the U.S. Green Building Council's building efficiency rating system.

Renowned for its outstanding clinical services, research programs, and medical education, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh has helped establish the standards of excellence in pediatric care. Children's has been named consistently to several elite lists of pediatric health care facilities.

For more information, visit www.johnsoncontrols.com.

Publication date: 11/13/2006