TLDR:The smart building industry faces significant challenges, primarily stemming from labor shortages and slow technology adoption. However, collaboration and innovative solutions are emerging to drive progress. Here’s a recap of key insights from a recent panel discussion on the driving forces of change in smart buildings:
People-Centric Solutions
- Addressing the Labor Shortage: New graduates are entering the workforce with data skills that can be leveraged to streamline building decarbonization and energy management.
- Bridging the Generational Gap: Technology solutions must cater to both those accustomed to manual processes and those expecting advanced automation.
- Continuous Learning and Development: Platforms that quickly educate new workers and promote knowledge sharing are crucial for industry growth.
Regulatory Requirements as a Catalyst for Change
- Lessons from Australia: Building performance standards and public disclosure requirements have successfully driven smart building adoption in Australia.
- Peer Pressure and Competition: Publicly visible ratings can create healthy competition and incentivize building owners to invest in efficiency.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Regulations that mandate measurement and verification empower building owners to make informed choices.
Advice for Building Owners and System Integrators
- Building Strategic Partnerships: Long-term collaboration with technology providers fosters trust and ensures ongoing support for complex projects.
- Embracing Stamina: Decarbonization is a marathon, not a sprint. Expect challenges and remain committed to the long-term vision.
- Focusing on Outcomes, Not Just Technology: Start with the problem you want to solve and select technologies that align with your goals.
The future of smart buildings hinges on our ability to embrace collaboration, invest in our workforce, and leverage technology to solve real-world problems. By focusing on people and prioritizing outcomes over individual technologies, we can create a more sustainable and efficient built environment.
This post was created from the follow content AHREXPO 2024 Free Educational Sessions Driving Forces of Change for Smarter Buildings
Hosted by this group of experts. They are the difference makers driving change in the industry, from chat rooms to ASHRAE to joint working groups. In this session, you will learn how their contributions are serving the industry today, as they embrace the wide ranging challenges facing the future of BAS.