Commitment to smart building tech sustained despite subdued outlook

Regrettably, the current economic conditions may not be sparing the smart technology industry from the aftermath. Despite this, developers are still investing in smart solutions. This is evident in the conversations that WiredScore has with developers around the globe, as well as data collected about smart buildings during the certification process.

Investing in smart technologies is still a priority for developers, even with the downcast economic outlook. At WiredScore, our conversations with developers from all over the world, including Singapore, supports this as does the data collected about smart buildings during the certification process. This data provides insight into the use cases of different markets and their solutions’ maturity.

Given the current economy, premium office spaces, with energy-efficient buildings and all the latest amenities, still command high rents. Smart technology is almost a must in these spaces and allows landlords to offer a high-level experience to the occupier.

Not surprisingly, sustainability solutions are a priority. Regulations like New York’s Local Law 97, which demands most buildings over 25,000 sq ft meet emission targets, have given landlords a big incentive. In Singapore, the government has set targets for 80% of new-builds to be Super Low Energy Buildings that meet the latest efficiency standards.

Metering is just one solution that landlords are investing in to maintain the value of their assets and draw tenant attention. Typically, these solutions are cheaper and easier to retrofit, as they use externally mounted flow pipes that connect to an on-premise gateway. Energy consumption is then measured through a dashboard, which can be used by in-house sustainability teams to reduce consumption.

Using advanced analytics is the next step, allowing landlords to optimize performance in real time—increasingly, with machine learning and artificial intelligence. To get connected with leading providers like Lendlease Podium, Johnson Controls, Schneider Electric and Spaceworx in Singapore, landlords can take advantage of WiredScore’s Accredited Solutions programme.

In addition to sustainability solutions, landlords are also focused on improving the office experience. This includes access control, apps that connect people to community events and Tengah Plantation EC amenities, and giving workers the freedom of choice—making the office a more attractive option than working from home.

Ultimately, technology can provide landowners with the opportunity to meet climate goals and deliver a best-in-class user experience—neither of which is achievable without it. So, despite the current economic climate, smart technologies remain high on the agenda.