Transforming Boland’s Quay Towers into a Digital, Smart, Sustainable Workspace
Project Overview
Boland’s Quay Towers, Google’s flagship premises in Dublin, stand as a testament to modern engineering and technological innovation. Spanning 19,500 square metres across two towers and 31 floors, this state-of-the-art facility is home to approximately 800 staff members. Designed with cutting-edge architecture and interior fit-outs, the project required a Building Energy Management System (BEMS) transformation that would integrate seamlessly into the existing infrastructure while embracing the latest in digital building technology.
The Challenge
The primary scope of this project included the design, supply, installation, testing, commissioning, and setup of a complete, open-protocol, automatic, addressable BMS control system to control, monitor, record, trend, and alarmall building services. This involved upgrading the base-build BMS system to allow for a fully integrated, digital BEMS solution.
- Integrating an ageing Cylon system into a smart-ready infrastructure.
- Replacing and upgrading approximately 60 Cylon controllers with 800+ IP network controllers.
- Coordinating extensive panel modifications while ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
- Deploying the system onto a fully networked, IP-based IoT client network using Edge technology.
- Implementing 800+ IP drops communicating over MQTT, using bespoke naming conventions coordinated with the MSI.
- Implementing a smart building strategy to optimise efficiency and sustainability.
Solutions Implemented
We took a meticulous and strategic approach to overcoming these challenges, deploying a series of key upgrades to modernise the building’s energy management system:
- Removal of 60 base-build network controllers and existing BACnet MS/TP FCU controllers, replacing them with over 800 approved IP devices with additional I/O modules.
- Comprehensive panel modifications to accommodate the new infrastructure.
- Revision and implementation of updated control strategies, ensuring all plant operations aligned with previous design intents.
- Thorough testing and commissioning of each controller to guarantee seamless integration, including client network integration.
- Centralised monitoring and control through a client front end, providing enhanced visibility and operational efficiency.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
One of the core aspects of this transformation was sustainability. With approximately 650 fan coil units (FCUs), 120+ water meters, and 290 electric meters, the new system provides unparalleled energy oversight. The upgraded BEMS allows for:
- Optimised energy consumption through real-time monitoring and adaptive controls.
- Water and electricity usage tracking to identify inefficiencies and drive sustainability initiatives.
- Smart integration, ensuring seamless interaction between mechanical and electrical systems to reduce waste and enhance overall performance.
The Outcome
The successful execution of this project delivered a fully modernised, smart-enabled building tailored to Google’s high-performance standards. The results included:
- Enhanced operational efficiency and system reliability.
- Complete integration of smart controllers, offering streamlined control and monitoring.
- Full system visualisation, providing a real-time overview of the building’s entire energy performance.
- Coordination with all stakeholders—including the client, M&E consultants, digital building consultants, builder, MSI teams, and mechanical and electrical contractors—to achieve a cohesive, efficient solution.
Key Project Stats:
- 26,000+ system points commissioned.
- 20,000+ hours worked.
- 2 dedicated client networks.
- 2 glass bridges on levels 4 and 11, offering stunning city views.
- 1 dedicated BEMS provider.
