Meet the new F&S director of utilities and building operations

Settling into his new role as director of utilities and building operations at Facilities & Services, Raymond Monteiro already has big plans. 

“I see my role as supporting a great team and making sure that they have the tools and direction to do the best job they can,” Monteiro said. 

Monteiro is overseeing building operations and mechanical services, building automation and controls, electrical systems and services, and utilities and central steam plant operations. 

Over the next year, he plans to focus on digitizing operational logs and inspection checklists and the successful launch of Project Leap, which aims to cut on-campus greenhouse gas emissions in half by electrifying existing infrastructure and providing new efficient sources of heat that don’t use carbon-based fuel. 

“Project Leap’s approach to delivering energy throughout the campus is one of the most comprehensive and ambitious that I’m aware of at any university across North America,” Monteiro said. “It represents U of T taking a transformational step towards providing sustainable environments to learn and work in.”  

Monteiro joined the University of Toronto last month from CenTrio Energy, where he launched a program to renew and modernize the utility infrastructure and central utilities plant at Syracuse University. 

Having over 20 years of senior leadership experience in utility distribution systems and the design and commissioning of mechanical retrofits, he keeps his technical knowledge sharp and up to date.  

“Generally, I try to stay out of my team’s way and rely on their experience and technical expertise,” Monteiro said. “But I also have to understand the challenges that they face when they’re solving problems and be able to clearly and effectively communicate them to different stakeholders.” 

He also aims to build supportive teams who in turn create a thriving environment where everyone can succeed. “It makes a huge difference,” he says. 

Monteiro is still getting to know everyone but wants people to know that he is always available to support his team and clients. 

“I’m always open to listen,” he said. “I want to make this great environment for us all to learn from each other.” 

 Outside of work, Monteiro enjoys travelling and long cycling trips with his wife. 

“In the summertime, we try to do 60 to 70 kilometers at least once a week.”