Audio Only
On January 25, 2025, Bueno Analytics, in partnership with Optimised, hosted a panel discussion in London to explore how landlords, tenants, and facility services providers are working together to improve building performance.
The session featured expert insights from:
Holli Renton – Director of Surveying, Ashdown Phillips
Lee Stentiford – Director of Development Management, Nuveen Real Estate
James Kinch – Head of Intelligent Buildings – UK & Germany, Arcadis
Panel Chair: Greg Tracy – Head of Business Development, Optimised
The discussion provided real-world examples of collaboration between landlords and tenants, highlighting how technology, data, and engagement strategies are enabling a more unified and effective approach to decarbonisation. Key topics included:
The role of landlord-tenant collaboration in improving building performance.
How real-time analytics and technology are transforming decarbonisation strategies.
The challenges and solutions in delivering energy-efficient buildings while maintaining financial viability.
This session was designed to help property managers, asset owners, and sustainability professionals understand what good looks like in decarbonisation efforts, and how the industry can overcome key barriers to implementing meaningful change.
Here are the key findings from the session:
1. Defining "What Good Looks Like" in Building Decarbonisation
One of the key questions posed during the discussion was “What does good look like?” when it comes to decarbonising buildings. The panelists agreed that achieving sustainability is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather a combination of strong data insights, effective collaboration, and long-term commitment.
Landlords must ensure energy efficiency is embedded from the start by setting clear sustainability targets and ensuring their teams have the data and tools needed.
Tenants need to be engaged in the process, as their operational behaviours significantly impact overall building efficiency.
Facility managers and service providers must be equipped with the right technology to track performance and make proactive interventions.
Key Quotes:
“We’d all love to say our buildings are best in class, but without real data, it’s impossible to prove. That’s why integrating platforms like NABERS UK and analytics tools is critical—it provides the transparency needed to truly define what ‘good’ looks like.” – Lee Stentiford, Nuveen
“If we don’t know how our buildings are running, how can we improve them? The first step is data, the second is action, and the third is keeping everyone accountable.” – Holli Renton, Ashdown Phillips
2. The Importance of Real-Time Analytics and Data Transparency
A major theme throughout the session was the role of data analytics and transparency in driving decarbonisation efforts. The panelists highlighted how historically, the industry has relied too heavily on static energy reports, rather than using real-time data to inform decision-making.
Continuous monitoring of energy performance allows for real-time interventions to correct inefficiencies.
Data transparency across landlords, tenants, and facility managers ensures that everyone is working towards shared sustainability goals.
Technology is the enabler—without data, decision-making is reactive rather than proactive.
Key Quotes:
“There’s still a huge knowledge gap in real estate when it comes to how buildings actually run. We need to start seeing data as an enabler for better decision-making, not just a compliance requirement.” – James Kinch, Arcadis
“The best performing buildings are the ones where owners and occupiers are both engaged in energy data. If landlords aren’t sharing energy insights with their tenants, they’re missing half the equation.” – Holli Renton, Ashdown Phillips
3. The Role of Tenant Engagement in Whole-Building Performance
The panel reinforced that landlord action alone is not enough—without tenant participation, whole-building efficiency remains out of reach. Tenant behaviour, such as out-of-hours energy use, plug load management, and operational schedules, plays a huge role in overall building performance.
Landlords are increasingly turning to real-time dashboards to educate occupiers on how their energy use compares to the building average.
Engaging tenants in decarbonisation conversations early ensures that sustainability efforts are embedded into leases and operational agreements.
Many companies are now using ‘green lease’ clauses to ensure that tenants and landlords are aligned in their sustainability objectives.
Key Quotes:
“A sustainable building isn’t just about the infrastructure—it’s about how people use it. We need to get tenants involved in understanding their energy impact if we want real change.” – Holli Renton, Ashdown Phillips
“A high NABERS UK rating is meaningless if tenants aren’t using the space efficiently. Collaboration is the only way to truly achieve whole-building sustainability.” – James Kinch, Arcadis
4. The Role of Data and Building Analytics in Identifying Hidden Inefficiencies
A critical theme of the discussion was how data and analytics are revealing inefficiencies that would otherwise go unnoticed. Panelists highlighted that many buildings do not operate as efficiently as they were designed to, with issues such as misconfigured HVAC systems, unnecessary energy usage, and poor scheduling affecting overall performance.
Real-time analytics platforms are uncovering inefficiencies that traditional audits miss, allowing building operators to take immediate corrective action.
Using smart technology, landlords can track, measure, and continuously optimise performance, ensuring that buildings are operating as intended.
Buildings that adopt analytics-driven optimisation experience long-term cost savings, improved tenant comfort, and stronger environmental performance.
Key Quotes:
“One of the biggest surprises for landlords is just how much waste exists in their buildings. Without analytics, you’re operating in the dark.” – James Kinch, Arcadis
“A building might have a great design, but if it’s running inefficiently, you’re losing money, wasting energy, and missing sustainability targets. That’s where real-time data is invaluable.” – Lee Stentiford, Nuveen
5. Bridging the Gap Between Construction, Commissioning, and Operations
The panel highlighted that one of the biggest obstacles to decarbonisation is the disconnect between the construction phase and long-term building operations. Many buildings are delivered with optimistic efficiency assumptions, but performance often falls short due to poor commissioning, lack of integration, and insufficient operational oversight.
Commissioning processes need to be strengthened to ensure that systems operate at peak efficiency from day one.
The transition from construction to occupancy must involve ongoing monitoring, rather than assuming a building will function correctly once handed over.
Facility managers should be involved earlier in the design process, ensuring that operational needs are considered long before a building is delivered.
Key Quotes:
“A building is only as good as how it’s handed over. If commissioning isn’t done properly, you’ll spend years fixing problems that should have been resolved from the start.” – Lee Stentiford, Nuveen
“Data isn’t just important post-occupancy—it’s critical during commissioning. If we track performance from day one, we can make sure buildings deliver on their efficiency promises.” – James Kinch, Arcadis
6. Tenant Engagement is Essential for Achieving Net Zero Goals
A key challenge discussed was how to engage tenants in sustainability efforts. Even in highly efficient buildings, tenant behavior plays a massive role in determining actual energy performance. The panel emphasized that landlords and occupiers must work together if Net Zero targets are to be met.
- Energy efficiency must be built into tenant agreements, ensuring that both landlords and occupiers have aligned sustainability goals.
- Providing tenants with actionable insights into their energy use helps drive positive change, encouraging them to adopt more efficient operational practices.
- Some landlords are now using incentives and penalties to encourage tenant cooperation, ensuring that sustainability goals are taken seriously across the whole building.
Key Quotes:
“You can have the greenest building in the world, but if tenants don’t change how they operate, you won’t hit your targets.” – Holli Renton, Ashdown Phillips
“Sustainability isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about behavior. The best landlords are those who actively engage tenants in energy efficiency conversations.” – James Kinch, Arcadis
7. Overcoming Financial Barriers to Sustainability Investments
One of the most significant challenges in decarbonisation is balancing sustainability goals with financial viability. The panel discussed how asset owners can justify investment in energy efficiency upgrades while still ensuring strong returns on investment (ROI).
- Many landlords still view sustainability as a cost rather than an investment, but the market is shifting towards recognising efficiency as a key driver of asset value.
- Financial incentives such as green finance, government grants, and tax benefits are available to support landlords in making the transition to low-carbon buildings.
- Building owners who invest in energy efficiency now will see long-term savings in operational costs and increased tenant demand.
Key Quotes:
“Sustainability improvements pay off in the long run—higher-performing buildings attract better tenants, lower operational costs, and retain asset value.” – Lee Stentiford, Nuveen
“The financial barriers to sustainability are real, but they’re not insurmountable. If you structure your investments correctly, the returns are clear.” – James Kinch, Arcadis
8. The Role of Regulation in Accelerating Decarbonisation
The panel discussed how tightening UK and EU regulations are forcing landlords and tenants to accelerate their decarbonisation strategies. Many organisations are reacting to regulatory pressures rather than proactively adapting.
- Upcoming updates to UK energy performance standards will make it increasingly difficult to operate inefficient buildings.
- Stricter enforcement of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) means landlords will need to improve their ratings to avoid stranded assets.
- Government-led initiatives and corporate ESG policies are pushing the market forward, but asset owners must take responsibility for compliance.
Key Quotes:
“Regulation isn’t the enemy—it’s an opportunity. The sooner landlords align with upcoming standards, the less disruptive the transition will be.” – Holli Renton, Ashdown Phillips
“We need to shift from reactive compliance to proactive leadership. The companies that move first will be the ones setting the benchmark for the industry.” – Lee Stentiford, Nuveen
9. Smart Building Technologies are Key to Long-Term Efficiency
A recurring theme in the discussion was how smart building technology is no longer optional—it is essential for achieving long-term decarbonisation goals. The panelists emphasised that data-driven decision-making must be embedded into building operations.
- Smart meters, AI-driven analytics, and automated systems help optimise energy performance in real-time.
- Data integration across building systems ensures that inefficiencies are quickly identified and resolved.
- Technology adoption is accelerating, but many buildings are still underutilising available tools.
Key Quotes:
“The technology to run buildings efficiently already exists—the problem is that too many owners aren’t using it properly.” – James Kinch, Arcadis
“Smart buildings are no longer the future, they’re the present. If your building isn’t running on data, it’s already outdated.” – Holli Renton, Ashdown Phillips
10. The Future of Decarbonisation Lies in Collaboration
The final takeaway from the session was that true building decarbonisation will only be achieved through greater collaboration between landlords, tenants, facility managers, and industry stakeholders.
- Sustainability must be a shared responsibility—it cannot fall on landlords alone.
- Cross-industry collaboration between policymakers, financial institutions, and property owners will be crucial in achieving Net Zero targets.
- Those who embrace transparency and cooperation will be the leaders in the next phase of commercial real estate sustainability.
Key Quotes:
“The most successful decarbonisation efforts happen when everyone is at the table—owners, tenants, engineers, and policymakers.” – Lee Stentiford, Nuveen
“This isn’t a solo effort. The buildings that succeed will be the ones where landlords, tenants, and service providers all take responsibility for performance.” – Holli Renton, Ashdown Phillips
Industry Perspective: The Optimised and Bueno Approach to Decarbonisation
A key takeaway from the session was that the industry is moving beyond one-off efficiency measures to a fully integrated, technology-driven approach to decarbonisation. Bueno Analytics and Optimised have been at the forefront of this shift, helping asset owners leverage real-time data, automation, and strategic collaboration to drive sustainable improvements.
Greg Tracy from Optimised highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between ambition and execution, ensuring that sustainability is not just a target but a measurable reality.
- “Sustainability strategies can no longer just live in corporate reports; they need to be integrated into daily building operations. That’s where real-time analytics and optimisation make the biggest difference.” – Greg Tracy, Optimised
- “The most successful buildings aren’t just the most efficient—they’re the ones that continuously improve. Sustainability is not a finish line; it’s an ongoing process.” – Greg Tracy, Optimised
Bueno Analytics reinforced this point, explaining how data-driven insights and continuous monitoring are key to unlocking lasting decarbonisation gains.
- “We have the tools, we have the knowledge—now it’s about making sure the entire industry embraces data as the foundation of smarter, more sustainable buildings.” – Hugh Amoyal, Bueno Analytics
The session reinforced that the future of decarbonisation lies in smart, data-led decision-making, ongoing performance tracking, and stronger alignment between landlords, tenants, and service providers.
Conclusion: A Call for Industry-Wide Collaboration
This panel session made one thing clear: the future of sustainable real estate will be defined by those who embrace transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. The days of passive energy management are over, and real-time performance tracking is becoming the new standard for success.
- Data-driven decision-making is critical—asset owners must move beyond compliance-driven sustainability and focus on ongoing optimisation.
- Collaboration is key—landlords, tenants, and service providers must align their sustainability goals to achieve whole-building efficiency.
- Regulations and investor expectations are accelerating change—those who act now will be best positioned to thrive in the evolving landscape of real estate decarbonisation.
As Optimised and Bueno Analytics continue to lead the industry in technology-driven energy optimisation, the message from this panel was clear: measured performance is now the foundation of sustainability in commercial real estate.
The time for action is now. Those who prioritise data, engagement, and continuous improvement will not only meet sustainability targets but will also future-proof their assets in a rapidly evolving market.
