Ave Maria University has integrated all its IT and facilities management, including air conditioning, lighting, security cameras, fire alarms, electrical and building-access control systems, into one network, reducing the number of separate networks – each with their own cabling – from six to two in each building. The core network uses high-speed, fibre-optic, cabling (built to allow for considerable future expansion), and works to Internet Protocol (IP) standards. The approach has enabled integration of Estates and IT activities into a single function. It has generated financial and energy savings while enhancing campus security. For example, the energy consumption per square metre is 30% lower than a typical peer institution.