Smart Modernization: How Emporia State University Aligned Energy Improvements to its Mission

From Pilot Project to Campuswide Energy Conservation

Improvements were evaluated through the lens of the university’s “Adaptive University Strategic Plan 2015-2025,” the document that identifies and coordinates strategies designed to create effective student learning environments, maximize resource utilization, and advance the institution. The facilities team quickly discovered that updated equipment alone would not be enough; Emporia State University needs a smart ecosystem that could learn and adapt, providing maximum value.

Information was a priority when choosing updates, as Hauff notes that “a process that isn’t measured cannot be improved.” 

To maximize strategic alignment, the facility and finance departments worked together on shared goals and objectives, mapping facilities needs to university priorities, says Keven Ward, strategic programs consultant with Trane, who helped the university with their smart integration. 

This engagement kicked off in 2022 with a Trane Intelligent Services pilot program, one that brings together data-driven, technology-enabled services that enhance building operations and management. 

The pilot used existing data points throughout the campus to reveal the current state of existing equipment—reliability issues and opportunities for improvement. After realizing $36,000 in electricity savings over six months, Trane ran a campuswide audit that identified 20 recommended energy conservation actions, which Ward categorized as the following:

• Address risk mitigation of failed and/or failing major systems well past their ASHRAE expected service life
• Improve comfort, indoor air quality, safety, reliability and resiliency
• Optimize ongoing energy and operational efficiencies and maximize incentives and utility rebates
• Increase analytics to make the data generated by the energy monitoring and operational equipment actionable

Replacing End-of-Life Systems and Modifying Efficiency Settings

An outdated building management system was replaced with an ecosystem that could control campuswide needs such as HVAC system, floor plans, alarms, and cybersecurity, among other things. “We moved from a basic control system for one of the top control systems on the market,” Hauff notes.

Updates included:

• New and upgraded building automation systems
• A 410-ton chilled water plant with 12 thermal energy storage tanks, while removing the existing end-of-life, non-working 250-ton chiller
• Replacing a second end-of-life chiller with a new 230-ton chiller
• Updating and converting controls and switchgear
• Replacing and converting multiple air handling units
• Adding new control valves for fan coil units
• Replacing electrical equipment that was no longer supported
• Retrofit of existing lighting fixtures with tubular LED
• Various building envelope improvements (seals, window files, destratification fans, lab hoods, etc.)
• Modifying systems to run during more efficient times (for example, the central plant generates cooling capacity during off-peak hours for use during periods of peak demand)

In alignment with Emporia State University’s strategic plan, Trane emphasized the importance of data-driven, technology-enabled services that enhance building operations and management. 

“Now, we have a very smart ecosystem that provides real-time performance insights, improves system and energy efficiency, and offers greater visibility and control over the buildings,” Ward says. He explains that adding or upgrading smart controls, sensors, and analytics is a quick and easy way to realize modernization benefits.

“It’s the first step almost every high‑performing facility takes on the path to long‑term modernization. Once this layer is in place, you can confidently plan mechanical upgrades, electrification, or decarbonization with real performance data, not guesswork.”