July 14, 2010 – “Old School” versus “Young Turk” facility managers go head-to-head in a humorous video created by Siemens Industry, Inc. The short video, which can be seen by clicking “Enter Now” on Siemens’ The Smartest Building in America challenge website ( www.smartestbuildinginamerica.com ) takes a light-hearted look at facility managers and reveals the increasingly complex aspects of the job facing them today. “The video highlights just how sophisticated facility managers have become in today’s high-tech world,” says Christoph Vogel, Vice President of Control Products and Systems (CPS), Building Technologies Division of Siemens.
In it, two successful facility managers, long-time acquaintances and rivals, encounter each other during a conference break. One’s a traditionalist, old school and proud of it. The other, a trendsetter, confident that the technology wave he’s riding is “all that.” Their competitive natures flair as the friendly banter turns to verbal jousting as they spar, trying to prove to each other who’s building is smarter.That premise is central to Siemens’ Smartest Building in America Challenge which is out to discover how people are making the most of the sophisticated technology keeping America’s buildings operating efficiently.
The challenge looks for innovative and creative approaches taken by facility managers. The deadline for entering is July 15. Any facility that operates either APOGEE or TALON building automation systems may be nominated. Participants are asked to submit brief videos that explain why the buildings are the smartest in America. Grand-prize winners will receive $25,000 in products and services from the Building Technologies Division or a $25,000 contribution to a qualified charity of their choice.
Runner-up prize winners will receive $15,000 in products and services from the Building Technologies Division or a $15,000 contribution to a qualified charity of their choice.
About Siemens
A division of Siemens Industry, Inc. (SII), Building Technologies (BT) Division is a leading provider of energy and environmental solutions, building controls, electrical distribution equipment, fire safety and security systems solutions. BT’s solutions enable America’s buildings to be more comfortable, secure and environmentally friendly as well as less costly to operate.
With a U.S. headquarters in Buffalo Grove, Ill., BT employs 7,400 people and provides a full range of services and solutions from more than 100 locations coast-to-coast. Worldwide, the company has 28,000 employees and operates from more than 500 locations in 51 countries.
