JLL Canada and RYCOM were selected by Public Services and Procurement Canada to implement a Smart Buildings initiative in federal buildings early this year, and it’s already yielding positive results.

JLL Canada managing director of sustainability Jiri Skopek

“It may be premature to focus on individual buildings,” said JLL Canada managing director of sustainability Jiri Skopek. “However, the overall program is already achieving up to 15 per cent energy savings amounting to over $2.7 million of energy saving annually.”

JLL Canada first became involved in the Smart Buildings initiative during a competitive pilot program in 2015. The professional services firm that specializes in commercial real estate services and investment management implemented its proprietary smart building platform, IntelliCommand, at two buildings in Canada’s National Capital Region during the pilot program.

JLL’s IntelliCommand smart building platform

IntelliCommand is a building performance monitoring and ongoing commissioning analytical and diagnostic platform which delivers operational efficiencies, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy savings and decreased maintenance costs.

IntelliCommand provides real-time monitoring and fine-tuning of building systems to maximize efficiency. It collects and analyzes data from multiple building systems, including critical mechanical and electrical systems. JLL’s portfolio energy experts use best-in-class algorithms to detect equipment or operational trends and issues.

“JLL’s solution includes all software, middleware, sensors and other hardware components necessary to capture, store, analyze and transmit existing building data from the building systems or building automation systems to the cloud-based analytical engine, which can analyze and diagnose the data,” said Skopek. “The platform helps clients proactively identify problems and anomalies that often go undetected.

“Once identified, the right tools can be applied to fix the problem so issues can get resolved quickly and even be prevented from happening in the future. Identified operational problems can be linked directly to work orders and instructions to the maintenance teams. There can also be a monitoring component with experts in the control room.”

Eighty-two federal buildings are being rolled out into IntelliCommand and more than 21 are now fully operational. Skopek said other JLL Canada clients are using the platform, but he doesn’t have permission to reveal them.

Procter & Gamble has launched IntelliCommand in buildings around the world, covering more than nine million square feet. The 65-storey 311 South Wacker office tower in Chicago has also implemented the platform.

Sustainability achievements

Skopek provides advice to owners and managers of large portfolios on sustainable development in the fields of design, asset and facility management, emergency preparedness, business continuity, and smart building intelligence.

“JLL is proud of its sustainability achievement,” said Skopek. “Service to building occupants has always been a JLL priority.

“Because of this, JLL developed successful tenant engagement programs. With much interest in greening, wellness and productivity, JLL created a ‘Green + Productive Workplace’ program being applied on JLL clients’ portfolios. The program is backed by significant research partners such as Harvard University and summarized in a publication titled SMART Green + Productive Workplace that’s available on Amazon.”

Skopek’s 30 years of experience includes developing Green Globes environmental assessment tools, which include modules for the design of new buildings, sustainable interiors and operation and management of existing buildings, and building intelligence quotient.

As an architect, designer and planner, Skopek has worked in and been responsible for projects in Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.