Well-known for its storied sports franchise and for its top academic ranking, the University of Notre Dame has also set itself apart by its progressive adoption of technology to improve security, reduce costs, increase energy efficiency and enhance the campus experience.
Last year, the University undertook a new modernization project to upgrade its building management technology to increase operational efficiency. In consultation with Havel, the University decided to upgrade existing Schneider Electric systems to EcoStruxure Building Operation 3.0 to enable new levels of IP connectivity, building analytics, integration with metering and facility operations and increased cybersecurity.
This transition also allowed the University to bring existing product families into EcoStruxure Building with a new user interface that overlays analytics for energy efficiency, occupant comfort and more. Havel is installing 150 Schneider Electric SmartX Controller AS-Ps, which perform key functions such as control logic, and support communication and connectivity to I/O and fieldbuses, enabling the transition to EcoStruxure Building Operation 3.0 before the end of 2020.
EcoStruxure Building Operation seamlessly facilitates the secure exchange of data from both Schneider Electric and third-party systems. It allows the University to easily replace network controllers, field devices and sensors in future construction. The platform's built-in web interface provides anytime, anywhere access control and data management and visualization tools to help administrators make smarter, insights-based decisions. This was put quickly to use when COVID-19 hit and the state of Indiana mandated a stay-at-home order in late March. The implementation of EcoStruxure Building Operation enabled the University of Notre Dame's facility team to manage its buildings remotely, allowing them to work seamlessly through the months that the campus has been shut down.
"The University of Notre Dame campus is the largest EcoStruxure Building project with Havel in the U.S.," said Justin Lavoie, vice president of channel development, Schneider Electric. "This is due in large part to our ongoing collaboration with Havel, a Master BMS EcoXpert partner, who has implemented Schneider Electric technology and solutions on campus for more than 25 years. We're excited to work with Havel to expand our EcoStruxure footprint at the University of Notre Dame, especially in support of its ongoing work to improve efficiency and sustainability."
Project planning began in 2019 and is expected to take up to 12 months. The University decided to start the transition in the facilities department building to gain hands on experience and then decide how to take it forward across the campus. The University has selected 6 buildings to upgrade and validate the conversion and implementation process.
Partnering for reliability and experience
Havel has worked with the University of Notre Dame for more than 50 years, and is one of the largest BMS EcoXperts for Schneider Electric in the U.S. Unique in its industry, the EcoXpert partner program is a worldwide network of partner companies who offer local expertise and support to resolve the challenges of our shared customers. Trained and certified by Schneider Electric, EcoXperts are the implementation arms of EcoStruxure, our IoT-enabled, open and interoperable architecture and platform, as well as of Wiser™, our connected technology for homes, all over the world.
"World-class institutions deserve world-class services and support," said Whitey Reed, director, automation & integration at Havel. "Our success with the University of Notre Dame is grounded in our reliability and dedication. Schneider Electric shares this same commitment to customer satisfaction and provides the technology and expertise needed to enhance building efficiency at the University of Notre Dame."
As a result of its ongoing support at the University, Havel relocated its South Bend location to a new facility just five miles from campus, employing five software engineers, and has dedicated an additional 17 employees to work on this project.
