Telus Corporation (T-T) is drawing from its background in 5G, access control, security and Internet of Things (IoT) to develop a Smart Building solution that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and costs with energy efficiency.

The Vancouver-headquartered telecom developed Smart Building “to expand our offerings and advance sustainability not just in our own operations but also across buildings nationwide,” Jayne Landry, senior vice-president of industry solutions at Telus Business, told SustainableBiz in an email.

Smart Building takes in data about a building’s operations and if inefficiencies are discovered, alerts the operator to make adjustments. Telus said it encourages reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and can lead to annual energy savings between 15 per cent to 20 per cent on average.

Some clients of Smart Building include H&M and Arlington Street Investments. H&M said the Telus software helps them reach their environmental targets.

Sierra Le Blanc, head of construction and facilities at H&M Canada and U.S. Midwest, said in a release, “Sustainability is a major focus in our business and it’s critical we have solid, reputable partners like Telus to help us move the needle.”

How Smart Building works

Smart Building is integrated into building infrastructure such as HVAC and lighting, where it collects data and presents it in a user interface. A software-as-a-solution cloud-based platform analyzes energy data from the building systems, allowing for monitoring and control.

Building managers can act if they are alerted to any inefficiencies Smart Building detects. If air conditioning is running on a cold day, an operator will be informed and can turn it off. A retail company can identify stores that are consuming excessively and implement energy-saving measures or adjust remotely in real-time. In the long run, the proactive maintenance alerts can detect equipment issues to prevent breakdowns as well.

Landry said Smart Building is unique in the market of IoT energy efficiency solutions because it seamlessly integrates into all major HVAC and building management systems. Businesses do not have to replace equipment, and Smart Buildings can be added to existing systems to boost their efficiency and ease of use, she added.

By using Smart Building, Telus expects energy savings of 15 per cent to 20 per cent on average with a full return on investment in about two years.

“It helps businesses cut energy consumption, meet regulatory mandates and reduce costs . . . It’s a win-win for sustainability and financial performance, enhancing customer and tenant experiences.”

Users of Smart Building

The company’s solution can be used in real estate and property management across categories like retail, health, hospitality and education, and in both corporate and public sectors.

Telus said it could only disclose two clients of Smart Building: H&M and Arlington Street Investments

Frank Lonardelli, the founder and CEO of Calgary-based Arlington Street Investments, said his team looked through the market for a fully integrated smart solution for its urban multifamily projects, and was “extremely impressed” with Telus’ Smart Building.

Arlington is a builder and developer of projects in Western Canada such as the 600-unit The Sentinel in Calgary, set for completion in 2024, and the 98-unit Central in Kelowna, B.C.

H&M is a Stockholm-headquartered clothing company with almost 90 locations in Canada.