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Energy Modernization Program at SMU

The energy modernization program at 91��Ƭ�S�ϼ� (SMU), initiated in 2017, has led to significant improvements in energy efficiency, cost reduction, and system reliability. The program, developed in collaboration with Siemens, was driven by the university's need to address escalating energy costs, aging systems, and a reactive maintenance approach. Key results include annual savings of $2 million and bringing over 70 campus buildings up to top-tier energy performance standards. During the Summer of 2024, major construction projects added 423,000 square feet of new space, onboarded for the Fall 2024 semester.

The program's three main pillars are infrastructure modernization, campus energy management, and data-driven maintenance. Key upgrades included the modernization of building control systems, installation of advanced metering and monitoring, and major improvements to the campus’s central plant, including new chilling capacity, boilers, and electrical systems. The university also implemented a utility management strategy, including a price-hedging program, that has helped stabilize energy costs and avoid market price spikes.

SMU's energy management platform enables remote monitoring and real-time analytics of energy usage and building performance, supporting continuous optimization. The integration of fault detection and diagnostics has led to predictive maintenance, increasing maintenance staff productivity by 26%. Additionally, since 2017, SMU has saved over 33 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, reducing utility costs by 15% per square foot, even as the campus grew by 21% in student enrollment and expanded by 660,000 square feet.

These energy savings have contributed to a reduction in the university's environmental impact, alongside improvements in system reliability. Notably, during the 2021 winter storm, SMU's energy supply contracts helped the university avoid major disruptions and high costs experienced by others in the region. The ongoing modernization and energy management efforts ensure a sustainable financial model, with significant operational and energy savings, positioning SMU as a high-performing, efficient campus. This energy and infrastructure performance is a powerful statement of alignment with SMU’s nationally recognized architectural aesthetic heritage.