Christopher Miller
Jones Lange LaSalle | Senior Director, Sustainability Delivery Management
Speaker
Track J: Professional Development
Session J4: Workforce Development
September 19, 2025 | 9:00 am - 9:30 am
The Future of Workforce Development
This study examines a collaborative approach to energy conservation, infrastructure enhancement, and workforce development in the energy efficiency space. Focusing on a NYSERDA-funded training program for facility managers and building operators at an industrial site in a disadvantaged community, the research explores the intersection of sustainability education and practical skill development. The curriculum spans from fundamental sustainability concepts to specialized areas such as steam trap maintenance and data center cooling efficiency.
The investigation addresses the growing importance of workforce development in meeting sustainability commitments for property owners and bridging the industry-wide skills gap in facility management. It demonstrates how financial resources can be strategically leveraged to simultaneously improve building systems and enhance workforce capabilities.
The findings highlight the significant role of workforce development in achieving sustainability goals and addressing skills shortages in the energy industry. The study provides empirical evidence on the effectiveness of targeted training programs in improving employee development metrics. Furthermore, it offers actionable insights for organizations seeking to implement similar initiatives, potentially leading to improved operational efficiency and sustainability performance in the industrial and manufacturing setting.
Speaker Bio
Chris, a Senior Director with JLL Sustainable Operations, leads the IBM account with a proven track record of driving significant energy savings and sustainability initiatives. With a unique blend of military leadership and healthcare operations experience, Chris brings a strategic approach to environmental management and operational efficiency.
In his current role, Chris oversees utility bill management, energy conservation programs, and long-term sustainability strategy development. He champions the ISO 50001 – Energy Management Systems program and educates stakeholders on emerging sustainability trends. Since joining JLL in May 2023, Chris has delivered impressive results, including ~$468k in energy reductions and ~$360k in utility rebates, translating to ~4,523 metric tonnes of CO2e reduction for his clients. His implementation of a NYSERDA Workforce Development Program has provided over 750 hours of sustainability training for JLL employees and providing +$70k in capital equipment for conditions-based maintenance.
Chris's leadership extends beyond the corporate world as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Connecticut Army National Guard, where he commands the 192nd Engineer Battalion. His military service includes a deployment to Afghanistan, where he led a route clearance team in Operation Enduring Freedom X-XI.
Holding a Master's in Healthcare Administration and pursuing another in Energy and Environmental Management, Chris combines academic knowledge with practical expertise. His certifications in Light Commercial HVAC Design, Data Center Engineering, Ultrasound Inspection, and Thermal Imaging further demonstrate his commitment to technical proficiency in energy management.
Chris's multifaceted background in sustainability, military leadership, and healthcare operations positions him as a versatile leader driving JLL's sustainable operations forward. His focus on innovation and education in energy management continues to yield substantial environmental and financial benefits for clients and the organization.