Schools are facing a new set of expectations. Rising energy costs, government Net Zero targets, and sustainability requirements are reshaping how campuses are planned and operated. Energy performance has become a marker of responsibility, reputation, and readiness for the future — and schools are increasingly expected to demonstrate strong energy management while preparing students for a world where sustainability is an everyday skill.
Marist College Canberra is an example of how schools can begin that journey. Guided by a long-term Master Plan, the College has invested steadily in new facilities and upgrades. IES Automation has been a partner along the way, contributing to projects including the Veritas building, Marcellin Hall, and, most recently, the Jubilee Building.
The Jubilee project introduced a new Reliable Controls® BMS, expanding on the school’s existing infrastructure to provide greater visibility of building performance and more efficient management of environmental systems. Delivered as part of a staged approach, it strengthens day-to-day operation while also creating a foundation for broader optimisation across the campus in future.
For schools like Marist, the value of this pathway is clear:
- Sustainability alignment — efficient systems support Net Zero objectives
- Informed planning — performance data helps guide future investment in line with the Master Plan
- Community leadership — students and families see sustainability reflected in the campus itself
- Financial resilience — tighter control of energy use reduces operating costs and protects budgets
The Jubilee Building upgrade shows how targeted steps can be part of a bigger picture. With the right systems in place, schools can address today’s pressures while preparing for the next wave of compliance, cost challenges, and sustainability expectations.
For IES Automation, it is a privilege to support Marist on this journey. Each project strengthens the campus, builds capacity for smarter operation, and demonstrates the value of long-term partnership in helping schools chart a path toward Net Zero and operational efficiency.