CitA’s 3rd TECH LIVE conference will be a three-day event (June 15th-17th) focusing on the key challenges in construction and how the construction industry must change by embracing new ways of working. Attendees of this conference will gain insight from home and abroad to become a better, faster, more attractive and greener industry.

The event will be an open invitation for industry, academia, government, and IT vendors to submit presentation proposals on addressing one or more of the top 10 challenges facing the construction industry in 2022

This exciting conference will take place online on June 15, 16 and in-person on June 17 at the Gibson Hotel, Dublin.

John Lacy has been Siemens Smart Buildings Lead for Ireland, with 25 years’ experience spanning a range of industries; primarily construction, manufacturing, and energy.  Now focused on digitalization and decarbonization for smarter buildings.  Siemens Smart Infrastructure makes smart buildings real by combining the real and digital worlds to create sustainable, innovative value for people and business.

After 15 years successfully managing large scale construction projects, John joined Siemens industrial division in 2012, helping manufacturing customers in the UK and Ireland optimize energy use and improve processes.  This was accomplished through consulting, performance contracting, and digital services, bringing deep domain understanding, collaborative engagement, measured performance improvement and customer success.

John holds an MSc in Energy Management from TU Dublin, Post Graduate Diplomas in Project Management and Environmental Engineering from Trinity, and a BSc in Construction Management from Waterford.  An SEAI Registered Energy Auditor, Certified Measurement and Verification Professional, Certified Energy Manager, while also Agile Master and ITIL Certified. 

John’s paper is titled: Procure Digitally Enabled, smarter buildings to deliver improved operational value and an enhanced end-user experience. It will focus on maximising the value of buildings through their operational phase and provide an end-user experience that will keep up with expectations, we need to design, procure and deliver smarter, digitally-enabled buildings.  Smart buildings use converged networks during operation to connect a variety of subsystems, which traditionally operate independently so that these systems can share information to enhance total building performance.

IoT sensor technology can enhance buildings with rich data streams and automated actions.  Digital building services can be enabled through open and secure platforms, and be capable of interaction with the wider ecosystem, to maximise full life-cycle value.  Our BIM enabled common data environments and connection between virtual and actual datasets open tremendous opportunities, but need relevant quality data.  Cloud-based applications can provide a wide range of functionality to enhance the experience, operation and value of buildings and contribute towards business goals, so long as they have a secure connection to rich, structured data from the OT and IT systems.  A smart building is end user-centric, capable of efficient, flexible operation and can respond to signals from external systems.  A building isn’t smart if it’s not energy-optimised, sustainable and actively contributing to the building purpose and enhancing the experience of its occupants.

Why is this an important topic in digital construction?

80% of the expenses of a building’s life arise during the operational phase and energy costs account for the majority of these.  Digital technologies can unlock savings potential of up to 20%.  It is essential that those making key decisions influencing the design and procurement of building technologies are informed and deliver smart, digitally-enabled buildings.

What are you most looking forward to at the CitA Tech Live?

Looking through the programme, I’m interested in every talk and really looking forward to broaden my understanding, through the perspectives of this digitally savvy construction group.  I haven’t spoken at an event like this previously, and I’m quite new to the role with Siemens as Smart Buildings Lead, so some nervous anticipation, but very interested in how receptive the audience are towards our solutions and drive to make buildings smarter.