Saint John-based Shift Energy, which uses machine learning to control energy use in large complexes, has partnered with Toronto’s Blackstone Energy Services, which plans to adopt Shift’s technology.

The two companies issued a press release on Wednesday saying Blackstone Energy would incorporate SHIFT’s artificial intelligence-driven technology into its energy management systems.

Shift Energy, which is a subsidiary of multi-faceted tech company Mariner, uses machine learning to optimize the performance of HVAC — heating, ventilation and air conditioning — systems for large buildings, like university campuses, hospitals and office towers.

Under the terms of the partnership, its tech will now provide the artificial intelligence component in Blackstone Energy’s blackPACTM Optimize and activeICI energy management systems.

Blackstone Energy, which is not affiliated with the New York private equity giant Blackstone Inc., has offices in Calgary and Barbados as well as its Toronto headquarters.

“Building operations, primarily heating and cooling, account for nearly 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions globally,” said Shift Energy General Manager Dave Schriver in a statement. “To achieve our collective net zero goals and avoid the worst impacts of climate change, we need to implement practical, rapid decarbonization solutions for existing buildings. Working in collaboration with Blackstone, we will enable facility owners and operators to achieve significant energy and emissions savings.”

The Blackstone Energy deal is the second transaction Shift Energy has announced this spring. In April, the company said it would roll out its technology across 10 Toronto-area buildings owned by commercial property giant Cadillac Fairview.