Smart Building Innovation - Start with the Low Hanging Fruit
I was recently a guest on a podcast, and one of the questions I was asked was:
“What’s the next big innovation coming in the smart building industry?”
It’s a great question — but it got me thinking.
Rather than constantly looking for what’s next, maybe we should focus on what’s easy. The things we can do right now that make a meaningful difference — without overcomplicating our buildings, systems, or budgets.
So here are a few “easy wins” worth considering.
1. Space Utilisation
A simple one to start with — only heat or cool the spaces you’re actually using.
A new study by Schneider Electric found that implementing occupancy-based control and automation solutions in office meeting rooms resulted in an average of 22% savings in operational energy use and carbon emissions. The research was conducted at an office building in central London, equipped with a BMS and sensor-based occupancy detection.
No humans were harmed in this study! What I mean by that is that despite the reduction in energy consumption, it was possible to maintain indoor air quality and occupant comfort, in fact the temperature was maintained at 20 degrees.
This is a scalable, high impact strategy for both new and existing commercial buildings. This is very low hanging fruit – why isn’t everyone doing this!?
2. Leak Detection
Industry sources often report that “escape of water” costs the UK insurance industry hundreds of millions of pounds annually across all property types (residential and commercial).
For commercial properties, the cost of these claims can be high due to business interruption, complex drying and restoration work, and high-value internal fittings. As a result you’ll find this type of insurance will feature a very high excess.
Today, leak detection systems are retrofittable, affordable, and may even help you negotiate a lower insurance premium. Could this be one to trial in your next refurbishment?
3. Occupancy Data
For me, this is one of the most valuable datasets a landlord or business owner can have.
Occupancy data helps you:
Right-size your space and avoid paying for underused areas
Optimise layouts and improve the experience for employees
Eliminate “ghost meetings” oh we all find those annoying!
Automate HVAC and lighting to reduce energy use
Support hybrid working strategies it’s not going away, so let’s improve it
Identify potential water leaks through unusual usage patterns
In short — it’s not just data, it’s insight…..and it’s a retrofittable technology.
Many different ways to skin this cat, with footfall sensors in doorways, or occupancy sensors in spaces and meeting rooms. There is something for every budget.
Beyond Energy Efficiency: The Real Opportunity
If you want to make the biggest difference, don’t just focus on energy reduction.
Yes, it’s important — especially as we all work toward net-zero goals — but energy accounts for a surprisingly small slice of total business spend.
JLL’s research breaks it down like this:
1% – Energy and utilities
9% – Rent
90% – People
With 90% of your costs tied to people, maybe the real question is:
“How can smart buildings make people more productive, healthier, and happier?”
The Productivity Payoff
Productivity can be tricky to measure, but the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has published some useful guidelines that show the potential upside:
+3% – Individual temperature control
+11% – Improved ventilation
+23% – Better lighting
+18% – Access to the natural environment
Did you know that according to Leesman, two thirds of employees globally are dissatisfied with noise control. Privacy and concentration is of paramount importance to employees, what changes can you make to your working environment to provide some optimal spaces for employees?
Maybe sound masking, or background music?
Start Small, Build Momentum
Achievement creates momentum. So maybe the best innovation strategy isn’t about futuristic tech or complex systems.
Start with something simple. A measurable quick win.
There’s plenty of low-hanging fruit out there.