Maximize Smart Building Management Efficiency

Facility managers are constantly seeking ways to optimize building performance, reduce costs and improve the occupant experience. With the rise of smart building technology, owners and operators now have access to powerful tools that can help them achieve these goals more effectively than ever before.

Our OpenBlue smart building software is a prime example of how investing in the right technology can lead to significant cost savings and business benefits. According to a commissioned Forrester Consulting Total Economic Impact™ study conducted in April 2025 on behalf of Johnson Controls, OpenBlue delivered up to 155% ROI based on a composite organization built for the study.

Let’s explore the 4 quantified benefits in more depth.

1. Harness real-time insights to slash energy costs
One of the most significant advantages of implementing smart building solutions like OpenBlue is the ability to gain real-time insights into energy usage. OpenBlue identifies areas of energy waste and inefficiency by analyzing data from multiple sources across facilities. Armed with this information, building operators can take targeted actions to optimize energy consumption, leading to savings of up to 10%, per the Forrester study.

For example, OpenBlue can give notice of abnormal energy consumption patterns, such as out-of-hours lighting that costs thousands of dollars per floor. By addressing these issues promptly, organizations can significantly reduce energy expenses and minimize waste. Additionally, best practices and insights gained from high-performing buildings can be leveraged to replicate success across an entire portfolio.

2. Streamline maintenance and reduce equipment downtime
Smart building solutions not only help save energy costs but also enable you to optimize maintenance strategies. OpenBlue provides real-time visibility into the performance of critical equipment like chillers, transitioning from reactive, schedule-based maintenance to proactive, condition-based care.

Instead of paying for monthly service checks and maintenance work, you can rely on OpenBlue to monitor your equipment and alert you when service is needed to avoid downtime. According to the Forrester study, organizations can reduce chiller maintenance costs by 67% simply by moving from monthly to quarterly service. This translates to nearly $1.5 million in savings in just three years.

3. Maximize space utilization and reduce real estate costs
In addition to energy and maintenance savings, solutions like OpenBlue can help reduce real estate costs by optimizing workspace utilization. Tracking and analyzing how employees use office spaces allows organizations to make data-driven decisions about consolidating their real estate footprint.

OpenBlue Workplace helps you identify underutilized owned office space and redeploy it to accommodate employees previously working in rented spaces. Forrester discovered that this strategic consolidation led to leased real estate savings of 21.9%, amounting to $3.5 million in present value over three years. Furthermore, by adopting hybrid workforce policies and leveraging OpenBlue insights, you can accommodate business growth without incurring additional real estate expenses.

4. Enhance asset value and attract premium tenants
For facilities professionals in the real estate investment and development sector, OpenBlue offers an additional benefit: increased rental premiums and asset value. Leveraging OpenBlue to achieve smart building and green certifications differentiates properties in the market, attracting high-quality tenants willing to pay a premium for advanced features and sustainability.

OpenBlue contributed 60% of the certification criteria that allowed the composite organization in the Forrester study to secure average rental premiums of 8% for smart building certification and 4% for green certification. This translates to a three-year present value of $3.2 million in increased profits.
Investing in smart building technology not only enhances the value of your assets, but also contributes to your organization's sustainability goals and market leadership.

Embrace the future of building management systems
As the world of facilities management evolves, embracing smart building solutions like Johnson Controls OpenBlue has become a competitive necessity. By harnessing the power of real-time data, advanced analytics and intelligent automation, you can unlock significant cost savings and improve operational efficiency while also enhancing the occupant experience.

Forward-thinking organizations can lead the charge in transforming their building management practices and positioning themselves as innovation catalysts. Take the first step toward a more efficient, sustainable and profitable future by exploring how OpenBlue can revolutionize your facilities management approach.