Arkansas State University in Jonesboro has signed a $15 million contract with a Milwaukee-based industrial company to improve sustainability on campus, according to a news release.
The contract will go toward improvements to lighting, water conservation, waste management, energy management and utility monitoring, as well as heating, ventilating and air conditioning.
"We're thrilled to be working with Johnson Controls to make significant upgrades to our energy infrastructure," said Charles Welch, president of the Arkansas State University System.
Upgrades also will include the replacement of lab fume hoods at the Arkansas Biosciences Institute on campus, according to the news release.
Johnson Controls said the upgrades are set for completion by Nov. 30.
The contract includes a "20-year payback and operational savings," according to the company.
"We expect the project to have an economic impact of more than $30 million with no upfront cost to Arkansas State, as guaranteed energy savings will pay for the project over the next two decades," said Chet Howland, energy program manager for the Arkansas Energy Office.
State Desk on 02/26/2016