Addressing tomorrow’s energy issues at Ryerson’s CUE

In 2018, Toronto Metropolitan University’s Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science (FEAS) and Schneider Electric announced the Smart Building Analytics Lab. The lab is the first of its kind in Canada, and aims to advance efforts to improve the efficiency of new and existing buildings and infrastructure in an increasingly digital and urbanized world.

The new lab serves as an experimental area where FEAS students and professionals can push the envelope and embark on a new frontier of energy efficiency, said Juan Macias, president, Schneider Electric Canada. The new Smart Building Analytics Lab is slated to open in 2019 at 111 Bond Street.

The smart analytics lab is the latest example of the partnership between Ryerson and Schneider Electric which began in 1986. In 2015, the company helped launch the Schneider Electric Smart Grid Laboratory at Ryerson, a collaborative facility where students, researchers, and practicing engineers could test and demonstrate ideas and products to modernize electricity delivery systems and engage customers in managing electricity usage.

“Seven years ago, CUE began as an idea at a university long known for finding solutions to pressing real-world challenges,” said Toronto Metropolitan University President Mohamed Lachemi. “And the leadership at Schneider has shared our vision for the centre from day one. They are passionate about the exchange of ideas, and taking products from the lab into the field. Thanks to them, and all of our partners, the centre has grown in size and scope, acquiring state-of-the-art equipment, testing new products, and more.”

The lab promises to offer unprecedented research opportunities. “Through this lab, students will have the opportunity to do remarkably cutting-edge, advanced research, and form the next generation of highly-skilled personnel in the field,” said Jenn McArthur, assistant professor at Ryerson's Department of Architectural Science.

“A little over a year ago, we had a conversation around automation in buildings and the vision of creating a living lab to develop a crossroad between academia and business,” said Macias. “We are very excited to bring this project to life with Ryerson.”