.jpg?la=en&h=320&w=720&hash=244C75B74F0F77521D56164450973BCD){kind=logo}
.jpg?la=en&h=310&w=720&hash=8D9823F26AA80B2B75C3E4B2E61770DC)
.jpg?la=en&h=320&w=719&hash=13CA7E4AA3E453809B6726B561F2F4DD)
.jpg?la=en&h=306&w=720&hash=F21A7CD3C49EFBF4D41F00691D09AEAC){kind=logo}
.png?la=en&h=320&w=720&hash=18CFCCD916C92D922F600511FABD775D){kind=logo}
Modernizing campus infrastructure while protecting long-term financial strength
Impact Highlights
$51M in energy and operational costs saved
78% energy reduction from baseline
33% reduction in utility costs
Modernizing aging infrastructure without disrupting campus operations
Samford University faced the challenge of modernizing an aging campus portfolio spanning 2.8 million square feet and 122 buildings without disrupting day-to-day campus activity. Failing equipment and HVAC systems were impacting comfort and efficiency, while record enrollment growth placed additional strain on existing infrastructure.
The university also needed to maintain long-term financial strength amid rising operational demands. Critical upgrades had to be funded without upfront capital or new debt, creating a need for an approach that could address infrastructure priorities while supporting the university’s broader operational and financial objectives.
A funded infrastructure program to improve efficiency, capacity and control
Samford University worked with Johnson Controls to deliver a $30.5 million project designed to modernize key campus systems and support more efficient operations. The project was funded through a 20-year contingent payment agreement, with risk transferred to Johnson Controls.
The program included an advanced chilled water plant engineered for efficient cooling and occupant comfort. The new chilled water plant is 50% more efficient and provides 22% greater cooling capacity.
The project also included energy-efficient upgrades across campus, including LED lighting, window replacement, building envelope improvements and piping insulation. Samford University also modernized water, HVAC, mechanical, hot water and Metasys control systems to help address equipment, comfort and efficiency needs across its building portfolio.
Measurable savings and efficiency gains across campus
Samford University achieved significant financial, operational and sustainability gains through the project, exceeding its guaranteed savings targets, including:
- $51 million in energy and operational cost savings
- 78% reduction in energy use compared to baseline
- 33% reduction in utility costs
- 12.6% reduction in water use, saving 20 million gallons of water
- 7,130 hours of labor costs avoided annually
- Reduction of more than 150 tons of CO₂ emissions
The project guaranteed $2.0 million in first-year savings and $54.6 million in savings over the 20-year contract term. To date, Samford University has realized $2.58 million more in savings than guaranteed.
About Samford University
About the facility
- 2.8 million square feet
- 122 buildings
- Includes chilled water plant, classroom buildings and residence halls
Solutions:
Similar stories
University of California San Diego Pioneers First U.S. Grid-Scale Living Lab
The University of California San Diego is a leading research institution advancing innovative solutions for energy systems and sustainability. Through DERConnect, UCSD is developing new approaches to integrate distributed energy resources, improve grid reliability, and support low-carbon energy systems.
Stanford reduces peak energy demand by 17% and lowers GHG emissions by 68%
Stanford’s SESI redesign slashes energy demand and emissions, setting a new benchmark for sustainable campuses.
A Midwest University Optimizes Campus Operations
A large, rural university in the American Midwest serving approximately 13,000 students, faculty, and staff. For more than 30 years, the institution has partnered with Johnson Controls to maintain safe, comfortable, and efficient campus operations.
Georgia university delivers four‑month ROI through data‑driven campus maintenance
A leading public research university recognized for its engineering, computing, sciences, and interdisciplinary research. The institution serves tens of thousands of students, supports significant research activity, and maintains a large, diverse campus infrastructure designed to enable innovation, collaborations, and high-quality academic experience.