Oxford School District used money saved from energy efficiency upgrades to fund an integrated technology environment where building systems communicate with learning tools to improve the safety, productivity and comfort of students and teachers.

“Students probably don’t notice that the security and fire alarm systems now talk to each other, which is keeping them safer. Inside the classroom, a network connects flat screen TVs, computers and handheld devices to help teachers inspire students. Even the clocks are now synchronised,” says Johnson Controls area general manager Cheryl Aquadro.

“All of this innovation is possible by reducing energy waste, saving money, and putting dollars back into education.”

A Johnson Controls Technology Contract converged individual systems into a single networking solution to lower the district’s initial construction costs and decrease long-term operational and utility expenses. The district will save critical resources by eliminating the need to manage multiple, duplicate or discrete systems under various vendors, contracts and proprietary protocols in the constantly-evolving technology marketplace.

An Energy Services Agreement with Johnson Controls funded the integrated technology design. Upgrades to the facility’s heating, air conditioning, lighting and building management systems will save the district $6 million in energy and operational costs over the next 15 years. The high school is powered by a modular central energy plant, which kept construction costs below average and will keep ongoing maintenance costs to a minimum. The new facility aims to be the first LEED-certified high school in Mississippi.

“Without the cooperation and coordination of Johnson Controls, our new high school would not be a reality. The professionalism of their employees was a valued addition to the construction process,” Oxford High School superintendent Brian Harvey says.

The design and construction of the 220,000-square-foot building was led by Eley Guild Hardy and Yates Construction. A community bond referendum paid for a majority of the construction costs. Oxford High School opened its doors this year to more than 1,000 students.