Established in 1966, the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides comprehensive higher education and workforce training programs with “open door” access to all. Today, VCCS has more than 230,000 full- and part-time students enrolled in 23 colleges on 40 campuses across the commonwealth. The entire system is comprised of 315 buildings and 7 million sq.ft.

Most of the buildings on the VCCS campuses were built in the 1960s and 1970s. And like many major state institutions, VCCS has experienced poor performance from the design/bid/build approaches taken for major mechanical systems. Moreover, funding shortfalls often resulted in renovations that treated symptoms—rather than the underlying cause—of problems.

VCCS faced a number of challenges: updating existing buildings while addressing the demand for new space, establishing funding priorities for new construction, and coping with underfunded, isolated, symptom- or building-based projects. 

Some of the most significant challenges faced while working on a college campus include making major mechanical renovations in occupied classrooms, and working nights and weekends to remain on tight schedules. With almost two decades of experience working with institutions of higher learning, Schneider Electric can assure minimal disruption to ongoing classes.

• Annual savings of up to 2 million USD
• Reduced CO2 emissions by 12,388 tonnes
• Single-source for renovations and results
• Solution for funding shortfalls
• Institutional knowledge of all systems
• Holistic approach to problem resolution

 
On each campus, Schneider Electric combined sustainable design principles and accountability through building and system commissioning. This resulted in projects designed with comfort and total cost of ownership in mind. This approach also enabled VCCS to maximise energy efficiency and generate utility savings.

An educational facilities background gave Schneider Electric a deep understanding of the challenges faced by VCCS. That, coupled with a holistic and expert approach to building operations enabled us to provide VCCS with information typically unavailable with a classic design/bid/build stratagem.

“Not only does Schneider Electric offer single-source responsibility and accountability for major mechanical renovations and operational results, but they also provide a solution for funding shortfalls.”

—Edward O. Watson, P.E., Associate Vice Chancellor, Facilities Management Services

VCCS teamed with Schneider Electric to manage all major mechanical projects in order to leverage the savings potential when projects are engineered, installed, and commissioned properly.

Taking a cooperative approach to the needs of multiple campuses, Schneider Electric and VCCS worked closely to set priorities and keep facilities running during the renovations. Moreover, VCCS relied on Schneider Electric’s in-depth knowledge of the specific building systems and operations on the various campuses to help the college system make wise choices regarding facility improvements.

The process was “fluid” at each campus; work was conducted on two or three buildings at any given time. Wherever possible, Schneider Electric leveraged VCCS investments in existing systems while implementing a variety of energy conservation measures (ECMs).

Four years: 2004-2008

Motivated by a desire to embrace a holistic, rather than piecemeal, approach to improving indoor comfort levels for faculty, students and staff alike, VCCS asked 11 energy service companies (ESCOs) to propose a solution. Ultimately, VCCS awarded the performance contract to Schneider Electric because of its straightforward proposal, clear chain of command, and thorough understanding of the process.

The performance contract incorporated entire campus facility audits, project development, system design, construction, commissioning, and long-term performance assurance. Schneider Electric guaranteed the energy savings generated by renovating systems to make them more efficient, and agreed to pay the difference to VCCS if the savings were not realised.

Schneider Electric redesigned and/or replaced HVAC systems and installed direct digital controls (DDCs) to achieve more effective energy management. T12 lighting was replaced with more energy efficient T8s, and older magnetic ballasts were replaced with newer, electronic ones.

Installation of thermal storage systems maximised the ability to efficiently store hot water or ice while reducing energy costs. Air leaks in building envelopes were addressed by caulking, and by replacing or fixing windows and exterior doors. Roofs were replaced, insulated or given a reflective coating to improve energy efficiency. Finally, inefficient plumbing fixtures were replaced or upgraded to conserve water resources.

Energy Conservation Measures included:
• Major mechanical systems, including direct digital controls
• Water retrofits
• Thermal storage
• Lighting
• Windows and doors
• Roofing
• Retrocommissioning