A shared vision

Since 2008, ACCS has been actively contributing to the achievement of National Bank of Canada’s (NBC) energy efficiency and operational optimization objectives. Over the years, the collaboration between NBC, ACCS, and Énergénia, an engineering firm specializing in energy efficiency, has been strengthened around a shared vision: to modernize, standardize, and make branches more intelligent across the entire national network.

Branch centralization and real-time monitoring

The centralization of more than 320 branches on Tridium’s Niagara management platform allows users whether technical managers or energy specialists—to have an overall view of all facilities. They can:

• monitor in real time the status of HVAC and lighting systems.
• analyze energy performance.
• quickly identify anomalies through alarms.
• intervene proactively to ensure optimal building operation.

Standardization of “hardware and software” recipes

Our experts carried out extensive work to standardize control systems and sequences of operation. By harmonizing control logic and graphic pages, ACCS made it possible to create a coherent and scalable environment, reducing discrepancies from one site to another and facilitating maintenance as well as remote diagnostics.

Control sequences optimized for branches

We developed typical control sequences that include:

• Intelligent and combined management of HVAC and lighting systems, adapted to occupancy hours and space usage.
• Improved energy efficiency without compromising occupant comfort.
• Implementation of global and modular load-shedding strategies to limit non-essential loads and ensure stable performance during periods of high demand.
• Compatibility with Hydro-Québec’s Power Demand Management (PDM) program.

A few examples of typical sequences

• Room control with variable air volume boxes
• Multizone room control with variable refrigerant flow system
• Lighting control sequences for 7 typical rooms
• Control sequences for different types of rooftop units

Continuous improvement and trust

Thanks to our continuous-improvement-driven approach, NBC benefits from a high-performing branch network characterized by:

• Clear, standardized, and proven typical sequences that ensure the health of electromechanical equipment while guaranteeing optimal comfort for occupants.
• An optimized project management process that promotes smooth and predictable execution, reducing deficiencies and corrective interventions.
• Ongoing collaboration with IT teams to ensure compliance with NBC’s standards and security requirements.