Creating Efficient Facilities | WSP Skip to content
  • Who We Are

    We are the sum of our collective passion, vision and expertise.

    Discover our people, purpose and stories that have helped shape the organization we are today and are inspiring the one we will become.

    Who We Are
    • What We Stand For
    • Our Story
    • Future Ready
    • Corporate Responsibility
    • Canadian Leadership
    Corporate Responsibility
    • Communities
    • Corporate Governance
    • Diversity and Inclusion
    • Ethics and Integrity
    • Health and Safety
    • Indigenous Relations
    • Sustainability
    Featured Content
    bnr-smart

    Now that's Smart!

    Our WSP Smart™ experts are making the integration of technology and physical assets more seamless than…

  • What We Do

    We shape the communities of tomorrow and help society thrive.

    With an intimate sense of local realities, we look at complex problems from different angles and deliver solutions that break paradigms.


    View All

    • Sectors
    • Services
    • Projects
    What We Do
    • Property and Buildings
    • Transportation
    • Environment
    • Infrastructure
    • Energy, Resources, Industry
    • Smart Solutions
    Property and Buildings
    • Commercial and Mixed Use
    • Education
    • Government
    • Healthcare
    • High-Rise
    • Hospitality
    • Mission Critical Facilities
    • Residential
    • Retail
    • Sports and Stadia
    • Telecommunication
    Transportation
    • Aviation
    • Bridges
    • Maritime
    • PPP
    • Rail and Transit
    • Roads and Highways
    • Transport Planning
    Environment
    • Acoustics, Noise and Vibration
    • Air Quality
    • Archaeology and Heritage
    • Climate Change and Resilience
    • Contaminated Land and Soil Remediation
    • Environmental and Social Impact
    • Environmental Assessment
    • Environmental Compliance
    • Environmental Due Diligence
    • Geo-technical and Ground Engineering
    • GIS, Mapping and Surveying
    • Licensing and Permitting
    • Materials Engineering and QM
    • Natural Environment and Ecology
    • Waste Management
    Infrastructure
    • Land Development
    • Municipal
    • Planning, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design
    • Project Management
    • Tunnels
    • Wastewater
    • Water
    Energy, Resources, Industry
    • Energy
    • Industry
    • Mining
    • Oil and Gas
    Featured Content
    bnr-smart

    Now that's Smart!

    Our WSP Smart™ experts are making the integration of technology and physical assets more seamless than…

  • Insights

    Our global experts offer compelling insights that provide new perspectives.

    Read inspiring articles that challenge the status quo by reframing current issues, sparking fresh conversations and finding new solutions.

    View all
    Insights
    • Climate
    • Mobility
    • Places
    • Resources
    • Society
    • Technology
    Featured Content
    bnr-smart

    Now that's Smart!

    Our WSP Smart™ experts are making the integration of technology and physical assets more seamless than…

  • Careers

    Help us shape the future

    Join a collaborative team of experts that thrives on complex challenges and unconventional thinking.

    See more
    Careers
    • Join Us
    • Early Career
    • Experienced Professionals
    • Why Choose WSP
    Featured Content

    HELP US DESIGN THE FUTURE

    We are a collaborative team of experts that thrives on challenge and unconventional thinking.…

  • Who We Are
    • What We Stand For
    • Our Story
    • Future Ready
    • Corporate Responsibility
      • Who We Are
      • Accountable for Tomorrow
        • Communities
        • Corporate Governance
        • Diversity and Inclusion
        • Ethics and Integrity
        • Health and Safety
        • Indigenous Relations
        • Sustainability
    • Canadian Leadership
  • What We Do
    • Property and Buildings
      • What We Do
      • Expertise at your service
        • Commercial and Mixed Use
        • Cultural
        • Education
        • Government
        • Healthcare
        • High-Rise
        • Hospitality
        • Mission Critical Facilities
        • Residential
        • Retail
        • Sports and Stadia
        • Telecommunication
    • Transportation
      • What We Do
      • Expertise at your service
        • Aviation
        • Bridges
        • Maritime
        • PPP
        • Rail and Transit
        • Roads and Highways
        • Transport Planning
    • Environment
      • What We Do
      • Expertise at your service
        • Acoustics, Noise and Vibration
        • Air Quality
        • Archaeology and Heritage
        • Climate Change and Resilience
        • Contaminated Land and Soil Remediation
        • Environment, Health and Safety
        • Environmental and Social Impact
        • Environmental Assessment
        • Environmental Compliance
        • Environmental Due Diligence
        • Geo-technical and Ground Engineering
        • GIS, Mapping and Surveying
        • Licensing and Permitting
        • Materials Engineering and QM
        • Natural Environment and Ecology
        • Waste Management
        • Water Services
    • Infrastructure
      • What We Do
      • Expertise at your service
        • Land Development
        • Municipal
        • Planning, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design
        • Project Management
        • Tunnels
        • Wastewater
        • Water
    • Energy, Resources, Industry
      • What We Do
      • Expertise at your service
        • Energy
        • Industry
        • Mining
        • Oil and Gas
    • Smart Solutions
  • Insights
    • Climate
    • Mobility
    • Places
    • Resources
    • Society
    • Technology
  • Careers
    • Join Us
    • Early Career
    • Experienced Professionals
    • Why Choose WSP
fr Français
Back

We are locally dedicated with international scale.

Canada - English

International

  • Global
    English - Français

Americas

  • Canada
    English - Français
  • Chile
    Español
  • Colombia
    Español
  • Mexico
    Español
  • Panama
    Español
  • Peru
    Español
  • United States
    English

Africa

  • South Africa
    English

Asia

  • China
    中文(简体) - English
  • Hong Kong
    English
  • India
    English
  • Malaysia
    English
  • Philippines
    English
  • Singapore
    English
  • South Korea
    한국어(대한민국) - English
  • Thailand
    English

Europe

  • Denmark
    Dansk
  • Finland
    Suomi
  • France
    Français
  • Germany
    Deutsch
  • Greenland
    Kalaallisut - English
  • Netherlands
    Nederlands
  • Norway
    Norsk
  • Poland
    Polski - English
  • Romania
    English
  • Spain
    Español
  • Sweden
    Svenska - English
  • Switzerland
    Deutsch - English
  • United Kingdom
    English

Middle East

  • Kuwait
    English
  • Oman
    English
  • Qatar
    English
  • Saudi Arabia
    English
  • United Arab Emirates
    English

Oceania

  • Australia
    English
  • New Zealand
    English
Worldwide Offices
    • Investors

      Discover our diverse business, financial results and strategic ambitions.

      We are committed to delivering sustainable value to our shareholders and exceptional professional services to our clients.

      Read more
      Investors
      • Corporate Governance
      • Press Releases
      • Reports & Filings
      • Stock Information
      • Shareholder Information
      • Presentations and Events
      Corporate Governance
      • Audit Committee
      • Board of Directors
      • Business Conduct Hotline
      • Constating Documents
      • Governance Documents
      • Governance Ethics and Compensation Committee
      • Mandates
      Reports & Filings
      • AIF
      • Annual
      • Information Circular
      • Quarterly
      • SEDAR Filings
      • Sustainability
      Stock Information
      • Analyst Coverage
      Shareholder Information
      • Acquisitions
      • Dividends
      • Drip
      • FAQ
      Featured Content

      WSP's Q3 2020 Results

      We released our 2020 third quarter results on November 4, 2020 after market close

    • Investors
      • Corporate Governance
        • Investors
        • Corporate Governance
          • Audit Committee
          • Board of Directors
          • Business Conduct Hotline
          • Constating Documents
          • Governance Documents
          • Governance Ethics and Compensation Committee
          • Mandates
      • Press Releases
      • Reports & Filings
        • Investors
        • REPORTS & FILINGS
          • AIF
          • Annual
          • Information Circular
          • Quarterly
          • SEDAR Filings
          • Sustainability
      • Stock Information
        • Investors
        • Stock Information
          • Analyst Coverage
      • Shareholder Information
        • Investors
        • Shareholder Information
          • Acquisitions
          • Dividends
          • Drip
          • FAQ
      • Presentations and Events
    • News
    • Contact Us

      We are dedicated to our local communities and driven by global talent.

      Contact us to find out how our diversified offering, world-class expertise and geographical reach can assist you in achieving your vision.


      Follow us

      Contact Us
      • Send a Message
      • Offices
      Featured Content
      bnr-smart

      Now that's Smart!

      Our WSP Smart™ experts are making the integration of technology and physical assets more seamless than…

    • Investors

      Discover our diverse business, financial results and strategic ambitions.

      We are committed to delivering sustainable value to our shareholders and exceptional professional services to our clients.

      Read more
      Investors
      • Corporate Governance
      • Press Releases
      • Reports & Filings
      • Stock Information
      • Shareholder Information
      • Presentations and Events
      Corporate Governance
      • Audit Committee
      • Board of Directors
      • Business Conduct Hotline
      • Constating Documents
      • Governance Documents
      • Governance Ethics and Compensation Committee
      • Mandates
      Reports & Filings
      • AIF
      • Annual
      • Information Circular
      • Quarterly
      • SEDAR Filings
      • Sustainability
      Stock Information
      • Analyst Coverage
      Shareholder Information
      • Acquisitions
      • Dividends
      • Drip
      • FAQ
      Featured Content

      WSP's Q3 2020 Results

      We released our 2020 third quarter results on November 4, 2020 after market close

    • Investors
      • Corporate Governance
        • Investors
        • Corporate Governance
          • Audit Committee
          • Board of Directors
          • Business Conduct Hotline
          • Constating Documents
          • Governance Documents
          • Governance Ethics and Compensation Committee
          • Mandates
      • Press Releases
      • Reports & Filings
        • Investors
        • REPORTS & FILINGS
          • AIF
          • Annual
          • Information Circular
          • Quarterly
          • SEDAR Filings
          • Sustainability
      • Stock Information
        • Investors
        • Stock Information
          • Analyst Coverage
      • Shareholder Information
        • Investors
        • Shareholder Information
          • Acquisitions
          • Dividends
          • Drip
          • FAQ
      • Presentations and Events
    • News
    • Contact Us
      • Send a Message
      • Offices
  1. home
  2. Insights
  3. Creating Efficient Facilities

Creating Efficient Facilities

The health services market is more than ever challenging itself to reduce cost and increase operational efficiency especially in terms of energy, labour, and resources. With aging populations that are living longer and the expanding prevalence of diseases, global healthcare expenditure is projected to reach $8.7 trillion by 2020. Predictably, healthcare organizations are investing in innovation to achieve enhanced operational efficiencies and processes for their workforces. While the do-more-with-less philosophy can achieve short term gains, it puts stress on an already taxed workforce where alternatives such as delegating redundant tasks to autonomous bots offer opportunities for consideration.

June 29, 2018
Reading Time : 4 minutes

What is an Occupant-Aware Building?

An occupant-aware building makes informed decisions on the operation of its building services based on its users and the type of work being performed. For example, when the buildings’ sensors detect there are no people occupying a space, the building will reduce the electrical and mechanical support for a specific area until it becomes occupied again. When scheduling is included, as when there is a meeting in a specific location. The building will pre-cool or warm it, based on the number of people in attendance who responded to the RSVP. 

Additional operational load reductions can be found by linking building controls to other support systems such as lighting systems, data networks, and clinical workstations. While it may not be possible to have a Load-Zero facility due the critical nature of healthcare services, integrated automation allows for the chipping away of wasted loads to intelligently reduce the facility’s operational footprint.

The Benefits and Opportunities of Integrated Automation

There are growing opportunities for integrated automation to support human resources in their day-to-day responsibilities. Where facilities are monitored by occupancy sensors or indoor location services, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will automate the facilities’ scheduling on a predictive data driven model. Such systems not only allow to stay ahead of routine tasks such as ensuring a constant supply of paper in public restrooms but also reducing inefficiencies in the delivery of care such as by automating the patient discharge process. 

Once an Integrated Automation (IA) engine is deployed in an occupant-aware facility, the opportunities for improvement of service delivery are only limited by the imagination. For example a predictive maintenance engine knows how long a fan coil has been operating and the lifespan of its critical elements. Online account ordering and work requests enable a necessary part to be ordered before it fails and schedule maintenance personnel to perform the repair on a proactive rather than reactive schedule.

Anticipating the needs of a facility for its occupants and providing for them before human intervention is necessary is only one way operational efficiency can be enhanced to reduce operational costs and improve quality of work for the building aware occupants. Occupant-aware buildings can contribute to staff recruitment and retention as well by simplifying tasks and eliminating the mundane challenges facing the workforce. 

The Installation of Converged Information Systems

The development of an occupant-aware building however limitless in its potential, requires holistic thinking, strategic planning, and careful deployment of building systems. Where a decade ago systems were installed in isolation to each other, converged information systems, networks, data management, as well as physical infrastructure are mandatory in the creation of an occupant-aware building.

Pre-project programming is critical in the master planning to deploy integrated building systems and solutions. Where once an architect worked to identify the needs of the owner in space planning and rough order of magnitude budgets, the pre-programming team would include subject matter experts from all disciplines of the design and commissioning team.

Identifying the goals for the project and the criteria against which they will be measured is critical in the design management of the engineering team. Since any component of each system can and often does impact the outcomes of other previously non-integrated systems, the basis of design for each project must provide a greater level of detail than previously produced. To right set budgets as well as the programmatic impact, an integrated building requires an integrated team.

Effective program management is also critical in activating an intelligent building. Where the implementations schedule frequently takes years to complete, with large teams working in phases, keeping an eye on the original goals, the decisions made, and why they were made prevents design or field originated decisions from undermining the intent of the project.

As we continue forward into the internet-of-things age of digital intelligence, improving the operational efficiencies, acquiring building feedback, and promoting the ease of use of a facility are key performance indicators that are just the beginning of the possible. Our solutions to these challenges result in improved patient healing, staff wellbeing, and retention, greater workforce satisfaction, and reduced operational costs for the best possible quality of care, today and for generations to come.

Article written by Michael Witecki, Associate, Buildings Technology Group, WSP USA


More on this subject

Thn-Web-VZ-ITS-Article6

December 2020

Creating Safe Road Ecosystems

Feature
Mobility , Technology , Places , Society
thn-wsp-uber-whitepaper

December 2020

Future Ready Kerbside: Creating Places That Put People First

Australia
White Paper
Places , Resilience , Society
Thn-Web-VZ-ITS-Article5

November 2020

Designing Out Flaws Within Road Transportation Systems

Feature
Mobility , Places , Resilience , Society , Technology
thn-news-waterways

November 2020 | 2 minutes

Water at the heart of long-term thinking for sustainable urban development

New Zealand
Feature
Places , Climate , Society
Thn-Web-Insight-TI-Electric-Vehicles

November 2020

Continuing the Shift to Electric Vehicles

Feature
Mobility , Places , Technology
Cities after COVID

November 2020 | 15 minutes

Cities After COVID: How Can We Create A Positive Legacy For Health And Wellbeing?

Feature
COVID-19 , Places , Resilience , Society
Thn-VZ-ITS-Article4

November 2020

Adopting the "ITS" Holistic View to Progress Road Vehicle Safety

Feature
Mobility , Places , Resilience , Society
Thn-Web-Insight-Mt-Eden-Station

October 2020

Innovative Pathways Deliver Vital Infrastructure

Feature
Mobility , Technology , Places
thn-smart-tech-better-normal

October 2020 | 12 minutes

After COVID-19: How Can Smart Tech Make Healthcare More Resilient?

Feature
COVID-19 , Places , Technology
Thn-Web-VZ-ITS-Article3

October 2020

Effective Intelligent Transport Systems Integrate Human Factors

Feature
Mobility , Places , Society
thn-maritime-insights

October 2020

Can sailing into the past inspire an autonomous future?

Feature
Climate , Resilience , Mobility , Places , Technology
thn-Web-VZ-ITS-Article2

October 2020

On the "ITS" Road Toward Vision Zero

Feature
Mobility , Places

Share this page

  • Share on Facebook - Warning, this link will open a new tab.
  • Share on Linkedin - Warning, this link will open a new tab.
  • Share on Twitter - Warning, this link will open a new tab.
  • Share on Skype - Warning, this link will open your Skype application.


Related themes and tags

  • Places (171)

  • Technology (145)


  • Health (43)
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  • Who We Are
  • What We Stand For
  • Our Story
  • Future Ready
  • Canadian Leadership
  • Our Offices
  • What We Do
  • Sectors
  • Services
  • Projects
  • Insights
  • Climate
  • Mobility
  • Places
  • Society
  • Resources
  • Technology
  • Careers
  • Join Our Team
  • Spontaneous Application
  • Corporate
  • Sustainability
  • Health and Safety
  • Investors
  • Business Conduct Hotline
  • News
  • Corporate Governance
  • Ethics and Integrity
  • Indigenous Relations
    ©2021 WSP
    • The WSP Logo
    • Privacy Policy
    • Anti-spam commitment
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Use
    ©2021 WSP

    Exiting our Website

    You are about to leave WSP.com and are being redirected to a job opportunity at Louis Berger, which has been recently acquired by WSP in the US.