For more than two decades, Setpoint Solutions has walked alongside the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka on a journey of innovation, sustainability, and smarter buildings. What began as a shared vision to embrace automation has evolved into one of New Zealand’s most enduring collaborations in building management systems (BMS) and building technology.
We sat down with Shane Jenkins, Head of Energy and Building Controls at the University of Otago, to reflect on the long-standing partnership and the role Setpoint has played in shaping one of New Zealand’s most advanced university campuses.
Where It All Began
The partnership was born out of foresight. “When the University first realised that automation was the future, there were very few BMS solutions available,” Shane recalls. “That’s when we began working with Setpoint Solutions.”
What started with early control systems has grown into a deeply integrated relationship where Setpoint’s expertise supports everything from strategy and planning through to the daily operation of Otago’s vast campus of buildings.
Trust and Longevity
The secret to the enduring partnership? Mutual respect.
“Setpoint value the University just as much as we value them,” says Shane.
This ethos has ensured collaboration at every level, from frontline support with Setpoint’s Daniel Dunn solving day-to-day challenges, to strategic planning with founder Mike Hormann, Director Sam McDonald, and more recently with CEO Tyrone Campbell.
Smarter Buildings for a Growing Campus
University buildings have become increasingly complex over time. No longer are heating and ventilation systems switched on and off at seasonal milestones. Instead, BMS technology now governs everything, from offices to state-of-the-art laboratories.
“Today, thanks to Setpoint and their use of analytics, we can monitor and control conditions across our campus, saving energy and delivering better comfort,” Shane explains. “That learning curve, and the technology behind it, has been transformational and a true example of building intelligence at work.”
With partners such as Siemens, TROX, and CopperTree Analytics, Setpoint ensures Otago stays ahead of the curve. These global leaders bring world-class solutions in building automation, air distribution, and performance analytics, solutions that Setpoint adapts to the unique needs of a research-intensive university.
Innovation and Future-Focused Advice
When asked about innovation, Shane highlights the forward-thinking nature of the Setpoint team. “They’re very good at making future-driven recommendations. They understand the technology, the industry and our business, and they see where we’re heading.”
Whether it’s introducing advanced analytics through CopperTree, integrating Siemens control systems, or leveraging TROX ventilation technology, Setpoint consistently delivers subject matter expertise that helps Otago prepare for tomorrow. These solutions demonstrate the power of building integration—bringing together different systems into a single intelligent platform.
Sustainability and Measurable Impact
Sustainability sits at the heart of the University’s operations and Setpoint has been pivotal in achieving real results.
“Over the last four years, through our work with Setpoint and analytics, we’ve reduced energy consumption in buildings with analytics by 18%,” Shane notes proudly. “That’s a direct outcome of visibility into building performance and data-driven decision making.”
This progress not only aligns with the University’s sustainability commitments but also ensures future generations inherit a campus designed for efficiency and environmental responsibility. It’s proof of how building intelligence and building performance go hand in hand, delivering measurable results in energy efficiency and sustainability.
Comfort and User Experience
Perhaps the most tangible impact of the partnership is the improvement to everyday comfort for staff and students.
“In the past, if you were cold in a lecture theatre, you just had to wear a jacket,” Shane remembers. “Now, timetabling is integrated with our BMS. When someone books a room, the heating and ventilation automatically adjust to the right temperature. Most people don’t even realise it, but their comfort is thanks to Setpoint’s systems running in the background.”
Milestones That Shaped the Campus
From the cutting-edge Mellor Laboratories with its trace-metal-free lab, to the world-class Dental School, and the Eccles biomedical research facility, Setpoint has been integral to the delivery of some of Otago’s most technically demanding buildings.
One recent highlight is Te Rangihīroa College, which achieved a 6-Star Green Star rating, Australasia’s highest sustainability benchmark. “These projects show how analytics, integration, and BMS data can drive performance while ensuring environments meet the strictest research and clinical standards,” Shane explains.
For Shane, a standout milestone remains the automation of timetabling, a once manual, time-consuming process of heating hundreds of rooms that is now seamlessly managed by the BMS.
A Partnership That Feels Like Family
At the heart of the relationship lies collaboration. Weekly morning teas with the Setpoint team have become a tradition, blending problem-solving with genuine camaraderie. “Without the University there wouldn’t be Setpoint, but without Setpoint the University wouldn’t be what it is today.,” says Shane.
Looking Ahead
As the University continues to grow, Setpoint will remain a trusted partner, bringing enthusiasm, innovation, and a shared vision of smarter, more sustainable buildings.
From data analytics to cutting-edge building automation, Setpoint Solutions and its partners Siemens, TROX, and CopperTree Analytics are not only shaping the University of Otago’s present, they’re building its future.
At Setpoint Solutions, we’re proud to call the University of Otago one of our longest and most valued partners. Together, we’ve proven what’s possible when innovation, trust, and collaboration come together in the pursuit of building intelligence, integration, and performance for a more sustainable future.
