Through partnership with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, IBM transformed its sustainability operations with a comprehensive workforce development program. The initiative equipped over 60 Facility Management professionals with advanced technical skills while generating immediate energy savings of 260,000+ kWh annually.

IBM's Poughkeepsie campus needed to improve energy efficiency across its 3.5 million square foot facility spanning 30+ buildings. The organization's workforce sought to improve their specialized skills to manage evolving sustainability technologies without compromising daily operations. They also required advanced expertise in predictive maintenance and condition-based monitoring beyond standard Facility Management knowledge.

The team identified a skills gap related to implementing new sustainability initiatives and adapting to rapidly changing corporate environmental goals. IBM sought cost-effective, site-specific training solutions to balance educational objectives with ongoing operational demands.

JLL designed a comprehensive, multi-tiered training program extending from October 2023 through December 2025. This initiative seamlessly combined foundational sustainability education with advanced technical certifications, creating clear career pathways for professionals across all experience levels.

“Helping our clients reduce their carbon footprint and investing in our people are core to the JLL mission. We’re proud to be partnering with NYSERDA and IBM on this program and look forward to continuing our successes together.”

- Lance Drenning, Managing Director, JLL

The curriculum featured hybrid learning sessions that directly integrated IBM's sustainability objectives into each module. JLL procured advanced diagnostic equipment including a FLIR T560 infrared camera, Sonaphone ultrasonic testing device, and AZIMA vibration analysis analyzer. This hands-on approach ensured participants developed practical expertise with the precise tools they would utilize in daily operations.

The rollout progressed through three distinct phases. The first phase covered instructor certifications and equipment procurement with foundational sustainability education. Phase two included ISO Level 1 Certifications in thermography and ultrasound plus advanced courses on control strategies and building science. The final phase provided ISO Level 1 Certification in vibration analysis with specialized training in data center cooling and system commissioning.

The program has generated exceptional outcomes across multiple performance indicators. More than 60 participants completed training across various operational roles, earning over 20 individual certifications in infrared thermography, airborne ultrasound, and vibration analysis. The initiative has delivered over 800 hours of specialized sustainability and reliability education.

The enhanced technical capabilities delivered immediate operational improvements. Compressed air leak repairs alone generated 260,000+ kWh in energy savings, translating to approximately $20,000 in annual cost reductions. These tangible results show the direct connection between workforce development and environmental performance.

“Employees who operate and maintain equipment with significant energy use play a key role in energy conservation. Training provided through the NYSERDA Workforce Development Program helps them understand their impact and serves as a powerful tool to motivate and engage them in energy-saving efforts.”

- Jimmy McDonough, Global Energy Manager, IBM Global Real Estate

Post-training assessments revealed remarkable satisfaction levels, with 95% of participants confirming the program met their expectations. Additionally, 94% agreed the training enhanced their understanding of client energy and environmental policies, while 97% recognized how the curriculum connected to conservation efforts. This high engagement reflects the program's success in combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. The approach enabled participants to achieve professional certifications while identifying operational improvements that advance IBM's sustainability objectives.