In the rapidly evolving landscape of real estate, building automation has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping the way we conceive and manage commercial properties. What was once considered a luxury for large-scale buildings is now accessible to a broader range of facilities, ushering in an era of unprecedented benefits. In this blog, we will explore the multifaceted advantages that building automation brings and how building automation adds value, focusing on cost savings, optimized management, and the invaluable insights derived from big data.
Cost and Energy Savings: The Smart Investment
A fundamental goal for any building manager is to create a space where occupants feel comfortable, safe, and content. Unfortunately, many buildings have been notorious for their inefficiency, contributing to over 40% of total energy usage in the US and EU, with nearly 30% of that energy going to waste. Building automation systems are a game-changer in this regard, offering a trifecta of benefits: cost savings, energy efficiency, and enhanced occupant satisfaction.
Smart building systems leverage advanced technologies to regulate utility usage based on various factors such as time of day, external temperatures, and occupancy. For instance, intelligent HVAC systems can intelligently use outside air to cool a building when feasible, while occupancy sensors adjust lighting based on real-time need.
The result? Dramatic cost savings. The ACEEE predicts that energy-efficient smart building technology will save the commercial building market over $50 billion, translating to significant financial gains for each building, particularly those over 100,000 square feet.
Optimized Management: Streamlining Operations for Success
Building automation simplifies facility management by centralizing oversight through a dashboard. This proactive approach, coupled with automatic alerts, prevents disasters and streamlines maintenance. In traditional HVAC systems, multiple AC units are replaced by larger, efficient units with local regulation in each room. This reduces maintenance efforts and wasted energy. The Internet of Things (IoT) enhances control, transforming HVAC systems into a cohesive, cost-effective unit.
Lowering Operational Costs: A Bottom-Line Booster
Upgrading a building’s management system brings immediate utility cost avoidance of up to 15%. This, in any case, is only a hint of something larger. Productivity improvements and other operational enhancements yield substantial additional savings, ensuring that your building remains competitive in the market. By keeping pace with technological advancements, your building becomes an attractive prospect for future buyers.
Enhanced Security: A Holistic Approach
Access control is now a non-negotiable feature for many tenants, and building automation seamlessly integrates it into the overall system. This integration not only enhances security but also eliminates the need for a separate, costly security system. It empowers better control over mechanical systems, lights, and surveillance options, creating a holistic approach to building security.
Lowering Operational Staffing Requirements: Efficiency in Action
Modern building management systems and automation methods substantially reduce the need for human intervention in day-to-day operations. This means fewer non-essential staff members are required to run the facility, leading to increased profitability. Outsourcing becomes a viable option, further enhancing cost-effectiveness and the overall value of the property.
Lowering Maintenance Costs: Sustainable Longevity
An up-to-date building management system ensures peak efficiency, minimizing wear and tear on equipment and systems. This means decreased upkeep and fix costs over the long run. Investing in building automation is an investment in the sustainable longevity of your property, contributing to both short-term cost savings and long-term value preservation.
Better Productivity: A Comfortable Environment
Improved air quality and temperature control directly impact the productivity and well-being of occupants. Buildings with better environmental conditions tend to have more productive employees who take fewer sick days. For commercial building owners, this not only affects the bottom line but also enhances the building’s attractiveness to long-term tenants, contributing to increased value and reduced operational headaches.
Allows for Future Improvements: Flexibility for Growth
Even if you don’t fully utilize all the functionalities of a new building management system initially, having the potential to add and integrate systems in the future is a valuable asset. Choosing an “Open Protocol” system ensures flexibility, allowing for future upgrades and updates by alternative service providers. This adaptability positions your building as a forward-thinking investment, ready to embrace advancements in technology seamlessly.
Inherent Value: Building for Tomorrow
A new building management system is an investment that inherently adds value to your property. Upgrading infrastructure, HVAC, and control systems becomes an asset on your balance sheet. Viewing this investment as a strategic move to increase comfort, safety, and security for occupants positions your property as a forward-looking and valuable asset in the real estate market.
Benefits of Implementing a BAS in Commercial Properties: A Strategic Advantage
Implementing a Building Automation System (BAS) in commercial properties is not just about operational efficiency; it’s a strategic move to attract high-value tenants and increase property value. BAS goes beyond the immediate gains and contributes to a thriving and sustainable real estate ecosystem.
Enhanced Tenant Experience: Tailoring Spaces for Satisfaction
BAS enables a personalized control experience for tenants, allowing them to tailor their workspace environment. From adjusting temperature and lighting to controlling blinds, this level of customization enhances tenant comfort, productivity, and overall satisfaction. For sustainability-conscious tenants, the energy-efficient features of BAS become a compelling draw, leading to long-term cost savings and potential sustainability certifications.
Increasing Property Value: A Holistic Approach to Growth
Equipping a property with a state-of-the-art BAS becomes a strategic move to attract high-value tenants. These tenants, often seeking technologically advanced spaces, contribute to higher rental rates, thus increasing overall rental income. The improved tenant mix resulting from the attraction of high-value tenants enhances the property’s stability and reputation, making it a more appealing investment for potential buyers or investors.
Energy Cost Reduction: A Win-Win for Sustainability and Profitability
BAS significantly reduces energy consumption through automation, resulting in lower utility bills. These energy savings translate into higher net operating income (NOI), a pivotal factor in property valuation. The long-term investment in BAS not only contributes to profitability but also ensures the sustainability of the property, extending the lifespan of critical building equipment and minimizing the need for costly replacements.
Market Competitiveness: Staying Ahead in a Dynamic Market
In a fiercely competitive commercial real estate market, properties equipped with advanced BAS gain a distinct advantage. They are perceived as more attractive and valuable investments due to their efficiency, tenant satisfaction, and adaptability to emerging technology trends. Staying ahead of the curve ensures that your property remains a sought-after asset in a dynamic market.
How Building Automation Add Value: Final Thoughts
Building automation is not just a technological evolution; it’s a revolution in how we conceive, manage, and value commercial properties. The benefits extend far beyond immediate cost savings, touching every aspect of building management and tenant experience. From optimizing energy usage to streamlining operations and harnessing big data, building automation is the cornerstone of future-ready real estate.
As we look ahead, the integration of Building Automation Systems in commercial properties will continue to redefine the benchmarks of efficiency, sustainability, and desirability. Embracing this wave of transformation positions property owners, managers, and investors at the forefront of a new era in real estate – an era where buildings are not just structures but intelligent, adaptive systems that add unparalleled value to the landscape of urban living.
