IoT TRANSFORMATION IN GEORGIA-PACIFIC HEADQUARTERS

Georgia-Pacific (GP) is one of the world's leading manufacturers of tissue, pulp, paper, packaging, and building products.

BRIEF

Georgia-Pacific decided to renovate its 1982 building and began exploring more modern options that move away from traditional offices and cubicles. They were keen to embrace modern features such as hoteling desks, multiple conference and huddle rooms, and seamless technology integration. They required an integrated IoT solution that gives employees more freedom.

SOLUTION

Johnson Controls led the project – integrating Molex’s CoreSync IoT network platform, powered by amBX SmartCore - allowing GP to achieve optimal integration, functionality, cost, and efficiency among the various systems throughout each floor – lighting, HVAC, BMS, audio/visual, and room scheduling systems.

The solution includes a variety of sensors connected over an ethernet-based network. Office spaces within GP’s building utilize data aggregated from sensors, devices, and space zones and share it with the other building systems to drive efficiency, space utilization, and predictive maintenance use cases. For example, the use of occupancy sensors and temperature sensors integrated into the CoreSync system is also used by the scheduling system, HVAC, and AV to offer a purposeful automation and user-based response.

The building utilizes bio-adaptive lighting in the office and collaboration areas, driven by network-connected lighting management to optimise occupants' wellbeing. The interconnected system allows the company to collect accurate, real-time data to better understand how the space is utilized, improve employee productivity and satisfaction, and maximize their real estate investment, including the ability to react to peak energy demands.

“We’re committed to establishing a smart, connected building that provides our employees with a comfortable and productive working environment while enabling more efficient and sustainable operations,” said Andrew Schindler, senior program director for Georgia-Pacific. “The innovation and smart building capabilities that Molex has demonstrated with Johnson Controls to transform our workplace will position Georgia-Pacific’s landmark headquarters as a truly connected environment today and well into the future.”

Dubbed the Blue Sky project, Georgia-Pacific removed offices on its 24 floors to create open layouts with lots of natural light. While employees will no longer have permanent desks, they will have the option to move between a sit/stand desk, an individual 'focus room' for heads-down work, a huddle room for small group work, or a larger conference room.

The GP systems use power over Ethernet (PoE) connected lighting for the building that was designed and developed by Molex and Johnson Controls and leverages technology from amBX and Cisco. The IoT digital building network integrates with Johnson Controls’ Metasys building automation platform to deliver a secure system that can monitor light levels, temperature, air quality, and detailed occupancy information for a completely connected environment.

“The convergence of isolated building systems such as lighting, sensors, heating and cooling systems, and AV equipment into a single system is essential to the digital transformation of buildings.” -Jim Nannini, vice president, Building Wide Systems Integration, Johnson Controls, North America.

RESULT

The building is transformed to respond to user needs in terms of comfort, functional work environment, and efficiency.

“[The solution] focuses on delivering a healthier and eco-friendly productive workplace environment and demonstrates value for the enterprise to transform our workplace, while positioning Georgia-Pacific’s landmark headquarters as a truly connected environment today and well into the future.”

The future-ready technology will enable GP to leverage the data for continued building optimisation.

Client: Georgia-Pacific - Building management and integration: Johnson Controls - IoT platform and connected lighting: Molex CoreSync, powered by amBX SmartCore