Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc.
Dutchess County
With Help from NYSERDA, JLL and IBM Collaborate to Equip Operations and Maintenance Staff with the Right Tools, Training, and Tech
A hybrid training program at IBM-Poughkeepsie creates successful, sustainable outcomes for O&M trainees and the buildings they manage.
In 2023, Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc. (JLL), a global leader in real estate services, partnered with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and IBM to develop a new type of hybrid operations and maintenance (O&M) training program. JLL recognized that today’s real estate sector faces specific problems: Commercial buildings need to be monitored and maintained to achieve new efficiency and sustainability goals. At the same time, O&M staff need new tools, training, and tech to perform these jobs effectively.
Training Goals
JLL developed a comprehensive, multi-tiered training program for the O&M staff on the IBM-Poughkeepsie Campus. It blended in-person and virtual courses covering four core areas:
- Sustainability fundamentals
- Advanced technical skills
- Hands-on experience with cutting-edge equipment
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certifications in key conditions-based maintenance disciplines.
Courses were designed for different skill sets and experience levels:
- Foundational courses for all experience levels
- Intermediate courses for entry-level facility managers
- Advanced technical courses with certifications for experienced staff
- Leadership-focused courses on sustainability program benefits
Key Features
A collaborative mindset and access to advanced tools were core components of the training program. Other key features included:
- Hybrid learning approach (virtual and in-person sessions)
- Integration of IBM's sustainability goals into each training module
- Procurement of advanced diagnostic tools, such as infrared cameras, ultrasonic testing devices, and vibration analyzers
- Collaboration with external experts and internal JLL resources
At a Glance
Organization:
JLL (for IBM Poughkeepsie)
Industry: Commercial real estate
Program Duration:
October 2023 – December 2025
Staff Trained: 60+
Total Training Hours: 800+
Certifications Earned: 20+
Buildings Impacted: 30+
Square Footage: ~3.5 million
NYSERDA Program:
Workforce Development and Training
Real Estate Sector Challenges
- Increasing demands for energy efficiency and sustainability in building operations
- Skill gaps in managing new sustainability initiatives and technologies
- Need for cost-effective, site-specific training solutions
- Balancing training time with critical operational responsibilities
- Adapting to rapidly evolving corporate sustainability goals
Infrared or thermal imaging camera.
Source: Getty images
Ultrasonic testing device.
Source: Getty images
Vibration analyzer.
Source: Getty images
“Predictive maintenance and condition-based monitoring are powerful strategies for improving reliability, reducing energy waste, and supporting sustainability goals.”
-Matt Vilardebo, Condition-Based Maintenance and Predictive Maintenance (CbM/PdM) Subject Matter Expert, Reliability and Asset Management, JLL
Instructor Matt Vilardebo performs a test. Used with permission.
Phased Approach
Certified instructors had access to essential equipment as well. Trainees were able to ladder-up their skills across several phases.
Phase 1:
- Instructor certifications and equipment procurement
- Initial sustainability and energy efficiency training sessions
Phase 2:
- ISO Level-1 Certifications in Thermography and Ultrasound
- Advanced courses on control strategies and building science
Phase 3:
- ISO Level-1 Certification in Vibration Analysis
- Specialized courses on data center cooling and system commissioning
Results and Outcomes
As of June 2025:
- 60+ staff members trained across various roles.
- 20+ individual certifications earned, including infrared thermography, airborne ultrasound, and vibration analysis.
- 800+ hours of sustainability and reliability training completed.
- Immediate energy savings identified
(260,000+ kilowatt hours ((kWh)) and ~$20,000 saved annually from compressed air leak repairs)
“At several IBM facilities across New York State, technologies like airborne ultrasound, vibration analysis, and infrared thermography have delivered measurable performance improvements. Pairing these tools with a well-trained team creates the kind of operational excellence that aligns perfectly with NYSERDA's mission.”
-Matt Vilardebo, CbM/PdM SME, Reliability and Asset Management, JLL
Post-Training Surveys
Upon completion of training, JLL administered surveys to all participants. Results indicate high satisfaction with the usefulness of courses and effectiveness of teaching.
- 95% agree that training met expectations
- 94% agree that training helped employees know and understand client energy and environmental policies
- 97% agree that training helped students understand how topics correlated towards client’s conservation efforts
“Employees who operate and maintain equipment that use significant energy 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
Key Insights and Lessons Learned
Tailored, site-specific training is crucial for addressing unique challenges in complex facilities.
Other insights gained from the program include:
- Integrating sustainability goals into daily operations enhances employee engagement and understanding.
- Hands-on experience with advanced diagnostic tools leads to immediate energy-saving opportunities
- Certification programs provide both individual career benefits and organizational expertise
- Balancing theoretical knowledge with practical application is essential for effective learning
- Engaging experienced staff as trainers enhances knowledge transfer and team cohesion
Future Outlook
“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 IBM-Poughkeepsie program will continue until December 2025, with plans to expand training to other JLL-managed sites. JLL continues to explore additional certification opportunities, emerging technologies, and ways to develop effective, long-term strategies for continuous workforce upskilling in sustainability and energy management.
JLL's workforce development program at IBM-Poughkeepsie demonstrates the power of targeted, comprehensive training in driving energy efficiency and sustainability in large-scale commercial facilities.
By combining theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and cutting-edge technology, the program not only enhances the capabilities of individual staff members but also contributes to IBM's broader sustainability goals.
This case study serves as a model for other organizations looking to empower their workforce in the face of evolving environmental challenges and technological advancements in the built environment.
Learn more about how NYSERDA can fund your own clean energy training program.
Visit NYSERDA’s Workforce Development and Training program page, or email [email protected].