University leadership sought to streamline operations, modernize infrastructure, improve service responsiveness, and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising campus safety or performance.
Case Study
Overview
Founded in 1915, Marywood University is a private Catholic liberal arts institution in Scranton, Pennsylvania, serving more than 3,000 students across 88 undergraduate and graduate programs. Its 115-acre campus includes 36 buildings that support academic, residential, and administrative functions. Each facility operates efficiently with building automation, security, and life safety solutions engineered by NRG Controls.
The Challenge
For years, the University relied on multiple vendors to maintain its building automation, security, and fire alarm systems. While each system functioned independently, the overall performance of these systems created complexities and inefficiencies:
- Multiple service contracts and renewal schedules
- Several points of contact for critical systems
- Inconsistent service performance
- Aging and proprietary technologies limiting flexibility
- Limited integration between systems
University leadership sought to streamline operations, modernize infrastructure, improve service responsiveness, and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising campus safety or performance.
The Solution
In September 2022, NRG Controls began working with Marywood’s facilities leadership to assess existing systems and develop a plan forward. The engagement began with a comprehensive systems audit to identify gaps, risks, and opportunities for integration and modernization.
Phase 1: Initial System Upgrade
NRG’s first awarded project was a fire alarm upgrade in the Natural Sciences Building, completed in early 2023. This established a foundation of trust and demonstrated NRG’s technical expertise and execution capabilities.
Phase 2: Service Consolidation
A multi-year service agreement followed, covering security card access and fire alarm systems to ensure compliance requirements were met.
Phase 3: Campus-Wide Integration
By fall of 2024, NRG Controls took over building automation services campus-wide and completed an initial system upgrade, transitioning the University from a competitor’s proprietary platform to Tridium Niagara, a scalable building automation framework.
Within two years, NRG Controls unified:
- Security card access systems
- Fire alarm systems
- Building automation systems
Future plans include the installation of upgraded video surveillance cameras to further enhance campus safety and visibility.
The Results
Marywood University successfully replaced multiple vendors and replaced systems with integrated solutions by one trusted building automation partner.
Key Outcomes:
- One contract and one trusted partner
- Local 24/7 service and support
- Modern building automation
- Improved system integration and operational visibility
- Measurable cost savings
By consolidating services, modernizing infrastructure, and implementing scalable technology, the University gained greater control, improved responsiveness, and long-term flexibility.
Our Solutions. Their Words.
“Working with NRG Controls has been an absolute game-changer for our University. Their expertise, professionalism, and commitment to safety have provided us with the confidence and peace of mind that every college campus deserves. From comprehensive safety audits to seamless installation of fire, card and camera systems, their team went above and beyond to ensure every detail was covered. What impressed us most was their genuine dedication to protecting lives, not just ticking boxes. We highly recommend NRG Controls to anyone serious about creating a safer environment for their people.”
Michael Pasqualicchio
Campus Safety Chief
Marywood University
