Three Foundations Essential to Accelerate Energy Transformation on Small to Medium-sized Campuses

Foundation One - Reducing operational expenses through partial decarbonization to fund long-term sustainability projects

Historically, many higher education campuses have carried energy-intensive combined heating and cooling loads. Johnson Controls will discuss how these processes can be optimized to quickly achieve partial decarbonization and reduce operational expenditures. They will explore how this strategy can be used to fund future projects as campuses move toward net zero.

Johnson Controls will detail the simplest entry points for partial decarbonization such as converting chiller and boiler systems to hydronic heat pumps. They will share equipment innovations and system design considerations based on common existing infrastructures. Additionally, Johnson Controls will share real-world OpEx cost-savings to illustrate how the heat pump transition can help to fund long-term decarbonization goals.

Panelists Include:
Dr. Russell Garcia, Industry Director, Higher Education, Johnson Controls
Jennifer Lancaster - Sr. Account Executive – Sustainable Infrastructure Johnson Controls
Jim Morris - Associate Vice President of University Operations – St. Edwards University
James Rosner – Director of Sustainable Advisory Services – Johnson Controls
Robert Tanner – Product Marketing Director – Johnson Controls

Russ Garcia, Ed.D

Industry Director of Higher Education

Johnson Controls

Dr. Russ Garcia is the Industry Director for Higher Education for Johnson Controls in. Russ has been with Johnson Controls since 2007 and has had many roles including Area General Manager in California and Hawaii, PACE Program Manager, Regional manager for Higher Education and State Government. In his current role, Russ is responsible for Higher Education strategy, innovation, and portfolio development.
Russ is responsible for overseeing the higher education market across North America, EMELEA, and APAC and making sure we bring the latest insights to our projects to benefit our clients.

James Rosner, PE, CEM

Director, Sustainability Advisory Services

Johnson Controls

James Rosner PE, CEM, is the Director of Advisory Services with Johnson Controls. He leads a team focused on establishing decarbonization goals and roadmaps and oversaw the development of the OpenBlue Net Zero Advisor GHG emissions tracking and reporting application. James has over 20 years of experience leading Higher Education District Energy Central Plants, Sustainability, and Renewable Energy programs while as the Associate Vice Chancellor of Facilities Management and Planning (University of Denver) and as the Director of Utilities and Energy Management (Oklahoma State University). His experience includes worldwide service as an Air Force Civil Engineer with combat deployments to Iraq and the United Arab Emirates. James is a Professional Engineer and Certified Energy Manager holding a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Colorado State University and a Master of Science degree in engineering management from the Air Force Institute of Technology.