Energy Efficiency in the built environment: Why we need an energy efficiency revolution in commercial real estate

Rising energy costs, net zero targets and new minimum energy efficiency standards regulations are all putting energy management at the top of the agenda for commercial landlords and facility managers.

Infogrid’s recent research found nearly three-quarters of hybrid workers in the US (74%) and seven in ten (70%) in the UK said they felt concerned about the impact of the energy crisis on the costs of working from home. And the worries don't stop at home, with over half of UK hybrid workers (55%) expressing concerns about the energy efficiency in their place of work, rising to nearly 3 in 4 (71%) in the US.

To get one step closer to net zero, we need to reduce waste while also driving greater efficiency across the built environment. Hybrid working has changed how we are using and interacting with our buildings forever. Occupancy varies throughout the week and requirements of buildings by employees have altered.

It's time for companies to make real changes that benefit not only their running costs and efficiency of their buildings, but the health of the planet. AI-backed building intelligence technologies can empower businesses with the data they need to effectively respond to the energy crisis and beyond. Monitoring how spaces are used, HVAC requirements, and manual processes such as running taps for water safety, can be automated, tailoring energy management to building use, cutting down on energy and saving costs as a result.

According to the UK Green Building Council, 80% of the buildings that need to reach net zero already exist and retrofitting is the key to making this happen. Facilities and building managers, employers, and property owners must take energy efficiency seriously, for the sake of their employees, the planet, and their bottom line.