UK Expert Panel – High impact strategies for a smart building journey

High-Impact Strategies for a Smart Building Journey: Insights from the Bueno Expert Panel Discussion

Recently in London, we hosted an engaging event that delved into the future of smart buildings and the strategies necessary for a successful journey towards creating intelligent, efficient, and sustainable buildings. The final session was a panel discussion titled “High Impact Strategies for a Smart Building Journey,” moderated by our very own CEO, Hugh Amoyal. Joining him were industry experts Charlotte Langthaler from CBRE, Jon Clarke from Dexus, and John Gleeson from Arcadis. The session brought to light some essential issues, shared practical tips, and provided valuable insights for anyone looking to embark on or enhance their smart building journey.

Defining Smart Buildings

Hugh kicked things off by inviting Charlotte to share her perspective on smart buildings and their journey toward operational efficiency and net zero targets. Charlotte emphasised the significance of having a well-defined strategy and engaging all stakeholders in achieving smart building goals. She highlighted that smart buildings unify various stakeholders, fostering collaboration and communication, which are crucial for successful technology implementation.

Charlotte’s definition of a smart building revolves around the integration of multiple technologies to collect and analyse data, which then suggests actionable insights. She pointed out that traditional buildings often operate in silos, with manual data reporting and isolated systems, whereas smart buildings aim to interconnect these systems to enhance efficiency.

Jon, however, expressed a preference for the term “digital buildings” over “smart buildings.” He argued that the foundational layer of a smart building must be digitised, allowing for varying degrees of “smartness” based on available budget and aspirations. Jon stressed the importance of data availability and a robust digital foundation to build upon.

John added that the journey toward smart buildings involves combining sustainability, user experience, and data infrastructure. He noted that understanding an organisation’s requirements and aligning them with technology solutions is crucial for successful implementation.

Global Trends and Adoption Rates

When discussing global trends, Charlotte observed that the concept of smart buildings has shifted from a futuristic topic to a present necessity driven by sustainability goals. She mentioned the impact of COVID-19 on hybrid working and the importance of occupancy data in managing office spaces efficiently. Additionally, she stressed the need for enhancing user experience and well-being in workplaces, including improving indoor air quality.

Despite these advancements, Charlotte rated the industry’s current state as a “two out of ten” in terms of smart building adoption, citing slow progress and the need for better cybersecurity measures.

Jon agreed with this low rating, attributing the slow adoption to economic constraints, inadequate contractual setups, and the challenge of quantifying the return on investment (ROI) for smart building technologies. He highlighted the importance of focusing on sustainability, energy efficiency, and comfort as primary goals before exploring additional smart functionalities.

Practical Tips and Low-Hanging Fruits

The panellists shared several practical tips for organisations aiming to enhance their smart building capabilities:

1. Data Metering and Analytics: Jon advised organisations to start by placing meters in the right locations to measure energy consumption accurately. This foundational step can lead to improved energy ratings and provide the necessary data for further analytics.
2. Cost Avoidance and Risk Reduction: Jon emphasised the importance of articulating the benefits of smart technologies in terms of cost avoidance and risk reduction. By identifying inefficiencies and potential failures early, organisations can save on maintenance costs and improve operational efficiency.
3. Engaging Stakeholders Early: John and Charlotte both highlighted the importance of early engagement with stakeholders, including facility management teams and technical staff. This ensures that everyone is on board and prepared for the changes brought about by smart technologies.
4. Addressing Cybersecurity: Charlotte pointed out the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures in smart buildings. She shared anecdotes of seemingly innocuous devices, such as smart coffee machines and fish tank thermometers, being exploited for cyberattacks due to weak security protocols.
5. Standardisation and Collaboration: John mentioned the need for standardisation in smart building technologies and processes. He advocated for sharing best practices and learnings across the industry to accelerate progress and avoid common pitfalls.
6. Contractual Clarity: Jon emphasised the importance of clear and comprehensive contractual agreements that outline the specific requirements for smart technologies. This helps ensure that all parties involved, from consultants to contractors, are aligned and accountable for delivering the desired outcomes.

Overcoming Challenges and Future Outlook

Jon shared insights from Dexus’s journey, where they have been implementing data analytics since 2011. He explained that having a detailed data strategy and retaining ownership of data are crucial for long-term success. He also highlighted the importance of revising contracts and scopes to reflect the evolving needs and capabilities of smart technologies.

John discussed the role of intelligent buildings in achieving sustainability goals. He noted that while many organisations celebrate their achievements, the lack of standardisation and consistent performance monitoring remains a significant challenge. He expressed optimism about emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), that could revolutionise the way buildings are designed, managed, and optimised.

Charlotte concluded by emphasising the need for continuous improvement and adaptation. She stressed the importance of transforming technical information into compelling narratives that resonate with decision-makers and stakeholders. This helps bridge the gap between technical teams and leadership, ensuring that everyone is aligned and motivated to achieve smart building goals.

Conclusion

The panel discussion at our recent event in London provided valuable insights into the journey toward smart buildings. The experts highlighted the importance of having a clear strategy, engaging stakeholders early, focusing on data and cybersecurity, and addressing contractual and process-related challenges. By sharing practical tips and real-world experiences, the panelists offered a comprehensive roadmap for organisations looking to enhance their smart building capabilities.

As the industry continues to evolve, the integration of smart technologies will play a crucial role in achieving sustainability goals, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing user experiences. By embracing these high-impact strategies, organisations can navigate the complexities of the smart building journey and unlock the full potential of intelligent building solutions.