The new HVAC system was coupled with the organization’s existing Facility Explorer building automation system, which enables the food bank to monitor its dry goods storage and refrigeration and freezer warehouses.

“The food bank consistently seeks out ways to reduce expenses in order to provide as much food as possible to families in need,” said Frank Finnegan, president and CEO of the St. Louis Area Foodbank. “Adding Verasys will not only reduce utility costs, (but) it also ties directly into our ongoing green initiative and commitment to sustainability.”

Verasys’ remote monitoring capabilities has allowed the food bank to set HVAC systems into “unoccupied” mode while employees are away from the office, increasing energy savings by 11 percent, officials said.

The food bank worked with its local HVAC provider, Midwest Mechanical Services and Solutions as well as a local Johnson Controls specialist, Controlco Inc., to get an early installation of the Verasys system.

“The food bank has been a Johnson Controls customer for several years and has utilized the Facility Explorer system within its distribution center,” said Earl Doyle, general manager of building technologies and solutions at Johnson Controls. “When the food bank expressed a new for a simple, yet powerful controls system, it was clear that Verasys would be an excellent fit.”