Defining the Toronto skyline at 553.33 metres (1,815 feet, five inches), the CN Tower is the world's tallest tower, having held the record for over three decades. It's also one of Canada's most recognizable and celebrated icons. The CN Tower is an internationally renowned architectural triumph, an engineering wonder, world-class entertainment and dining destination and a must see for anyone visiting Toronto.

And its maintenance team has been awarded this year's PEM 2009 Maintenance Award.

CONTENTS Our look behind the scenes of maintenance at the CN Tower • Pg. 1: Introducing this year's winner — the CN Tower team • Pg. 2: Green energy: How they've reduced the tower's energy footprint • Pg. 3: Zero breakdowns: The tower's PM and PdM procedures in place • Pg. 4: Brighter is better: Lighting upgrades that save money

Each year, over 1.5 million people visit the CN Tower and take in spectacular views of up to 160 kilometres (100 miles) away from three observation levels. This includes the world-famous glass floor with a view of 342 metres (1,122 feet) straight down to the ground and the Sky Pod, at 447 metres (1,465 feet), the highest of them all.

Three CN Tower restaurants satisfy every appetite: award-winning fine dining at 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower, upscale bistro dining at Horizons Restaurant and casual fare at the Far Coast Café. Attractions include The Height of Excellence (a film documenting the historic construction of the CN Tower), the Himalamazon motion theatre ride, arcade and souvenir shopping in the gift shop.

The CN Tower hosts more than 500 functions each year from receptions and dinners to product launches and theme events for up to 2,000 people. At the base of the CN Tower, green spaces have been created as a tribute to Canada's "Communities in Bloom." Each night, there's also the spectacular architectural illumination of the CN Tower beginning at dusk featuring a top of the hour light show.

André Saker, director of facilities and engineering (with PEM award) and the CN Tower team, which has dramatically reduced energy costs. CLICK TO EXPAND

What the general public doesn't readily see, however, is the innovative and dedicated work of the CN Tower's facilities and engineering team. The total team consists of 15 staff, including five electro-mechanic automation technicians, three maintenance mechanics, and a painter and carpenter. Each individual brings a unique and specific skill set to the job. The team understands that their customer includes all departments at the CN Tower; teamwork is encouraged and customer service is a priority.

"Our team is engaged to perform well and exceed expectations. Each person understands the importance of excellent customer service. Everyone also knows their work impacts the CN Tower and the overall visitor experience," says Andre Saker, P.Eng., CPMM, director, facilities and engineering. "The team is achievement oriented and we provide training and goal setting. This makes everyone feel like they're an important part of our department's success. Teamwork is a necessity within our department, which reflects on our overall performance.

"Employees are continually challenged and rewarded. And we ensure that we recruit people who enjoy being challenged. Team members are assigned a designated area that contains specialized equipment, which they take ownership over and maintain at a superior level. The assigned areas are identified within their yearly performance objectives. We also have an employee recognition program (High-5 and Sky Scraper) that recognizes team and individual performance that goes above and beyond."