Confidential Bank Client

Overview 

This confidential client is a national financial institution that operates more than 90 retail banking locations throughout the Greater Houston area. 

Since 2022, Southland Industries has partnered with the bank through a comprehensive mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) service agreement, providing preventive maintenance and emergency services across its facilities. This partnership has grown over time, helping the client maintain reliable building systems while addressing the challenges of aging infrastructure. 

Our Approach 

To create a consistent and efficient operating platform across the bank's facilities, our team led a building automation system (BAS) installation and retrofit project. The work included installing programmable communicating thermostats at approximately 20 locations with unitary HVAC systems and implementing or retrofitting full BAS solutions at 6 larger banking centers with chilled water or multi-zone variable air volume (VAV) systems. The building systems were then integrated into a higher enterprise level platform within the client's network. Ultimately bringing the properties into their national building management system. 

Prior to installation, our team visited each site to catalog equipment, staging requirements, and design intent. We then coordinated with the client's preferred out-of-state BAS contractor to ensure the hardware, software, and programming were developed remotely and delivered accurately for installation. By carefully managing this process, we achieved seamless integration of the new automation systems while minimizing disruption to day-to-day operations. 

In addition to the BAS upgrades, our team addressed a critical issue at a specific bank location. A large multi-zone rooftop unit (RTU) repeatedly tripped offline, creating unfavorable space conditions and requiring manual resets. To solve the problem, we conducted a detailed power study of the equipment and the property, which led to the recommended installation of power conditioning equipment. This solution stabilized the RTU's performance, improved occupant comfort, and eliminated ongoing operational interruptions. 

"Southland has provided top-notch services whenever called upon," Jim S., a client representative shared. 

Result 

The BAS retrofit provided the bank's facilities management team with a centralized platform for access, monitoring, and control across multiple properties. This upgrade improved system functionality, enhanced occupant comfort, and reduced the frequency of manual resets and emergency service calls. Also, the targeted power conditioning solution at the specific bank location further ensured reliable RTU operation and minimized downtime. 

While no baseline consumption data was collected, the improvements are expected to reduce utility costs associated with HVAC operations and support long-term equipment performance.