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ISO 50001-certified seniors’ living organization deploying AI for HVAC across more facilities

March 21, 2024 – Canada’s first seniors’ living organization to be certified for ISO 50001 announced it is expanding the use of artificial intelligence to continue saving energy and reducing emissions.

“Shannex is on a journey to transform the way sustainability is prioritized within our organization, and we’ve set ambitious goals to help us deliver on this commitment,” said Kim MacDonald, vice-president, Property and Support Services.

In 2020, Shannex installed Ecopilot’s artificial intelligence (AI) for HVAC software in seven communities across Nova Scotia. Based on results showing a reduction of total building energy consumption, Shannex will implement the AI in 24 more communities across New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario.

(In April 2021, Shannex announced it would seek ISO 50001 certification within two years, and received funding from Natural Resources Canada for the initiative. In April 2023, the organization received its certificate.)

The current expansion project is slated for completion early this year, and is projected to result in energy savings of 3,830,000 kWh.

“We are thrilled to support Shannex in achieving their green goals,” said Jennie King, general manager, EcoPilot Canada-USA.

Ecopilot integrates with an existing building automation system, determining the building’s balance point temperature (through real-time indoor data, five-day weather forecasts, and the building’s capacity for thermal mass). It then continuously adjusts the building’s heating, cooling, and ventilation.

Ecopilot says its customers see an average 25% reduction annually in HVAC energy consumption. It is owned by Nordomatic AB.