The UC San Francisco (UCSF) Fresno campus is currently undergoing integration into the main UCSF campuses to improve collaboration and streamline operations. The Fresno building is an 82,000-square-foot facility constructed in 2005. The building celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2020 and is due for updates and improvements to fixtures, finishes, and controls as part of a 15-Year Building Renewal Program. The two high-impact projects the renewal program will focus on first include replacing the access control systems and upgrading the Building Management System (BMS). The goal of these renewals is to provide expedited services, increased efficiency to troubleshoot equipment issues, and more time to focus on supporting research teams.
Kelly Noorani, the Facilities Director at our Fresno location, shares her vision of how the Fresno campus should be integrated into the other UCSF campus locations, “Imagine this building planted in San Francisco, how would it be run? How can we duplicate most of those services so we’re staying within policies and procedures?”
Fresno’s current access control system operates independently on a different system than the main campuses. The renewal project will include replacing 56 card readers, adding card readers that should be in place for areas that are currently key or keypad access, and issuing badges via WeID so there is a unified system. By upgrading to an integrated access control system, security protocols and procedures can be aligned, allowing for standardized and flexible access across the campus facilities.
Jon Giacomi, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Facilities Services says that "the integration of the UCSF Fresno facilities team into our central campus department reflects our dedication to fostering a seamless and efficient environment, supporting the UCSF Fresno clinical and research teams with enhanced coordination and the expertise of the over 425 facilities professionals at UCSF. We wholeheartedly welcome our Fresno facilities colleagues into UCSF Facilities Services."
Currently, Fresno's BMS operates separately, limiting remote adjustments and control by engineers from the main campuses. By integrating the BMS, Fresno's facilities personnel can focus on core responsibilities, while also benefiting from centralized control, the option for remote adjustments, energy savings, enhanced sustainability, and improved research support.
These renewal projects are scheduled to begin in July 2023, with completion expected in several years due to the extensive changes required. The integration efforts not only aim to enhance operational efficiency but also to strengthen cybersecurity through the unified BMS system. Additional benefits will include seamless reporting, enhanced functionality of the access control system, and improved energy management.
UCSF Fresno's integration and renewal projects signify a commitment to delivering high-quality services and supporting research excellence. The ultimate goal is to align policies, procedures, and standards with those of the other UCSF campuses, creating a seamless and efficient operation.
