Greasing the wheels of innovation between Arizona State University and tech leaders

Located in Arizona’s premier research and technology business park, Arizona State University’s (ASU) Macro Technology Works is a world-class research facility where academia meets private industry. Its sophisticated labs are home to a variety of university and private innovators, from semiconductor engineers to solar researchers.

ASU’s dedication to engaging with outside innovators echoes a common goal of many universities today. From coast to coast, many higher education leaders feel the pressure to win over more star students, especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. By offering high-caliber space where students, faculty and external research partners collaborate, universities can enrich each student’s educational and career journey—while earning credit for fueling important research.

In a highly sensitive research facility like the MacroTechnology Works, however, a single disruption can ruin millions of dollars in new product and set back research months. Even tiny particles of dust in the facility’s clean rooms can be disastrous—making it critical to keep all building systems primed for use. So, to ensure the continuity of highly precise environmental specifications across its 272,420 square foot building, ASU enlisted JLL as a property management and technical engineering partner.

Keeping all systems go, 24/7

The sensitive nature of the work conducted in the facility requires highly experienced professionals to monitor critical systems 24/7, from fire and safety to air filtration and the ultra-pure water plant. The ASU facilities management team maintains a close eye on details across the 20-acre campus, with a range of services from site engineering and maintenance, to recycling and energy management (and many other jobs in between). ASU also gave the green light to improve the water purity system, enabling the facility to produce higher quality water with less waste, and at a lower cost—ultimately saving ASU $3.5 million and reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.

These efforts, alongside other cost-effective system improvements, have helped ensure all systems are go, and optimal—with no unscheduled service interruption since the new facility management partnership began. With a critical environment primed for use, ASU’s quest for innovation continues.