Case Study: Research Level 1 University– Smarter Ventilation for a Safer, More Sustainable Campus
Background
An R1 Carnegie Institution specializing in agriculture, engineering, and life sciences was frustrated with the ongoing expenses of its centralized air monitoring system. As a global leader in research, including work from Nobel Prize winners and world-changing innovations, the university places a premium on keeping researchers safe while also managing resources efficiently. When the savings generated by its existing system were offset by the high costs of maintaining it, the university sought a solution that could reduce both maintenance costs and energy expenses.
Challenge
Air quality has a direct impact on health and safety in laboratories. The university’s legacy centralized air monitoring solution was proprietary, contractor-dependent, and labor-intensive. Every adjustment required significant time and outside support, frustrating end users and adding unnecessary expense. With such a large and diverse campus, the facilities team needed a more efficient, flexible solution that would reduce maintenance burden and improve operational efficiency—while maintaining safety and compliance.
Solution
The university selected AntrumX®, paired with AntrumEYE®, to provide intelligent contaminant monitoring and demand-based ventilation control. Unlike traditional systems, AntrumX simplifies maintenance with only a single moving part and an exchangeable sensor pack that can be replaced in minutes without tools. The system was deployed to monitor multiple laboratory and vivarium spaces.
Together the system delivered:
Real-time monitoring of chemical indicators
Alerts for readings outside acceptable safety thresholds
BAS integration to automate air change rates
A secure, auditable data stream to support EHS protocols and regulatory confidenceEnergy and sustainability reporting, including kWh reduced and total metric tons of CO₂ avoided
Results
Operational efficiency
Service tasks that once required outside labor and hours of downtime can now be completed in minutes.
Lower maintenance costs
The streamlined design drastically reduced ongoing expense.
Energy savings
Energy savings have enabled reinvestment into future energy projects rather than supporting outdated systems.
Flexibility and control
Facility managers can tailor ventilation to specific applications and access data in real time for proactive oversight.
Impact
By adopting AntrumX, the University advanced its commitment to safety, sustainability, and innovation. The solution allows the university to reduce operating expenses while maintaining the highest standards of research safety—supporting its mission to remain a leader among universities and empowering researchers to focus on world-changing work.
