amBX Industry Predictions for 2022
At amBX, our interoperable building software solution, SmartCore, enables connectivity throughout buildings and delivers improved wellbeing, data aggregation, advanced interoperability, circadian lighting, and energy efficiency.
We fit within the smart building supply chain alongside Master System Integrators, Smart Building Consultants and Main Contractors helping to deliver solutions that connect all building services. This position allows us to have very interesting conversations and gather insights through qualitative engagement with a number of key stakeholders.
We have compiled our predictions for the top themes and trends within the industry in 2022.
Our predictions for 2022 include:
Increased focus on net-zero building strategies - prioritising retrofitting
JLL state that within the Office market, 82% of occupiers and employees want to work in a greener, more sustainable environment. This powerful drive from the bottom up can be very influential. Alongside this, landlords and real estate owners face pressure to upgrade their buildings to maintain/attract tenants and remain competitive.
We all need to take on a level of responsibility; we need to educate our colleagues about why there is a climate emergency and how they can do things differently in their roles. It is essential we hit net zero carbon targets, we have already seen many influential organisations release their plans to hit targets, but we expect this to roll out further across 2022 as commercial landlords begin to recognise the importance.
We need to use what we've already got and what is already installed in a building, optimising it and using it to its full potential. We also need to go beyond BIM; using a digital twin allows us to understand what has gone into a building, the processes, the assets and the choices that have been made - providing a single source of truth.
As we know, 80% of buildings in use in 2050 have already been built. Buildings are here for the long term, not just a five-year period – we expect to see more legislation to support this over the coming years.
Additional emphasis on employee wellbeing
The pandemic has accelerated the conversation around wellbeing, and employers are prioritising it more than ever. There is increased demand for occupancy analytics, air quality monitoring and control, remote management tools and contactless solutions, which offer a means for building owners to better understand changing behaviours and patterns of utilisation.
Commercial real estate owners need to upgrade their buildings to increase value and attract tenants. Many tenants have become accustomed to working from home; therefore, they need to be enticed back into the office and made to feel safe when they are there.
We expect there to be a continued focus on wellbeing and the building services linked to improving the environment for employees as we go into 2022. It is clear that COVID remains a strong presence and disruptor; therefore, any efforts to improve the situation and make employees feel happier and healthier will be welcomed.
A stronger focus on cybersecurity
As the industry develops, IoT integration is getting more complex; we have more devices connected to the internet than ever before, which inevitably leaves us more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Many devices are installed with pre-set passwords or no in-built security at all. Part of the reason for this is that, as an industry, we need to be more open and interoperable to facilitate collaboration and create a smart building that can easily communicate with all services; however, this should not be at the cost of unsecured networks and buildings – the two need to go hand in hand.
Therefore, we predict that more industry standards will be created and cybersecurity strategies implemented by key stakeholders. Over the course of the year, this should become more commonplace and be something most people consider to minimise risk. It should not act as a barrier to installing technology that can enhance insight and the sustainability of a building.
Energy management strategies are becoming commonplace
Sustainability remains one of the biggest drivers of smart buildings. The recent COP26 summit generated a renewed focus on how buildings can play a part in fighting climate change.
28% of UK carbon emissions are from operational energy use in buildings. SSE state that this could very quickly and easily be reduced by 20-30%, but in 2021 it isn't happening.
Only by gathering data and understanding the current state of a building can a plan be put in place to improve it and monitor progress. We are seeing an influx of companies focusing on smart energy management platforms and a desire from customers to implement these strategies and understand the impact their building has in order to save costs, run their building more efficiently and reduce their carbon footprint.
An acceleration of partnerships
A collaborative approach can lead to much improved results; it ensures that everyone understands the value of smart technology and how smart systems can be leveraged to improve efficiency, sustainability, flexibility, connectivity, and occupant comfort. Only by working together can a true unified smart building be created and barriers be broken down. In many cases, this leads to greater innovation, cost savings and higher-quality solutions for the client.
Historically, the industry has been quite closed and reluctant to partner, but this has changed over the past couple of years. Partnerships can enable companies to fast-track their roadmap by utilising existing complementary solutions rather than creating their own from scratch. We expect this to continue throughout 2022 and build on the positive collaborations that have already formed.
It would be great to hear your thoughts; if you’d like to have a discussion about smart buildings, contact us today. We also host a podcast that regularly discusses industry trends and important topics; if you’re interested, you can listen here.