and facilitates Cisco ’ s Internet of Everything ( IoE ), while also streamlining all building data into a single network .
• AXA Belgium in Brussels . Winner of the New Corporate Headquarters category in the 2020 Verdantix Smart Building Innovation Awards , this building exemplifies space optimization . Using 1,850 sensors , the building management team gathered a robust dataset that informed a utilization project . In time , this data resulted in practices that reduced desk-toemployee ratios to 0.6 .
• Mitie in London . Perhaps the most striking example of IoT in smart buildings , the Mitie building uses automated alarms , remote equipment management , machine learning , and data analytics to achieve a 95 percent accuracy rate for predictive maintenance calls and a 3 percent improvement of energy use by clients .
In addition to BREEAM and LEED , some additional assessment frameworks have been developed that are classifying buildings as intelligent and offering ratings or certifications . These include the BOMA Canada ’ s Best Smart Buildings Certification Program ’ s Pilot Project — which is the Canadian branch of the global BOMA network , including BOMA Houston — and the SPIRE™ Smart Building Program that was developed by the Telecommunications Industry Association .
Uses of smart technology are incredibly varied , but here are 10 popular applications :
1 . Sensors that monitor air ventilation and air quality .
2 . Voice control or voice-activated services and technology .
3 . Touchless technologies , such as fobs , motion sensors , and digital key cards .
4 . Smart parking , which provides open space notification or digital reservation processes .
5 . Contactless amenities , such as food ordering or supply reordering . 6 . Hyperconnectivity to internet providers . 7 . Certified network control , which ensures the highest level of security for connected devices .
8 . Clean energy or renewable energy features with smart appliances or systems to reduce overhead and support sustainability .
9 . Maintenance monitoring and alerts , activated by sensors , cameras , and automated software systems .
10 . Utilities optimization through monitoring of peak utility usage and smart thermostats that can optimize comfort while reducing energy spend .
The Oakland City Center is one of the smartest buildings in the Bay Area , thanks to an AI-powered management system that reduces energy use and improves air quality .
Smart buildings provide a key benefit to business owners because smart features provide powerful data that makes asset tracking more precise — and making asset management easier .
So , what ’ s the ROI on smart building upgrades or construction ? Part of that equation includes enhanced marketability . Tenant experience is directly affected by elements of the smart building . Better security , ease of access , and a healthier environment are just a few benefits . A building management system ( BMS ) ensures 24 / 7 tenant support .
Building owners , landlords , and business owners all benefit when tenants are content . The World Building Council conducted a study that found cleaner indoor air and enhanced lighting conditions increased worker productivity by 11 percent and 23 percent , respectively . The same study also cited cost savings due to less turnover or absenteeism and improved ( self-reported ) attitudes about employee health and well-being .
Intelligent buildings are making a far-reaching impact on the commercial real estate industry . CRE professionals are equipped to better manage portfolio risk and assets , while creating differentiation in the market . Providing service innovation to tenants can be an advantage in a steeply competitive landscape , because intelligent buildings lower operating costs and represent a broader ecosystem of connectivity . The future is one of opportunity in sustainability , savings , and increasing the value of a property . Smart building technology is here — and here to stay .
Anthony Trollope Director of Marketing at Hartman Income REIT
Contact him at atrollope @ hi-reit . com .
CIREMAGAZINE . COM COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE 43