Technology is capable of extending offices’ lifespans and reducing the necessity for extensive renovations. However, due to economic and geopolitical events, investors are more restrained, Colliers reports.

User data is highly valuable for smart buildings to create the best user experience possible and to help achieve ESG goals. The possibilities are endless and their only limit is related to privacy settings. Recently, Property Forum was invited to visit Drees & Sommer’s new net energy-plus HQ building in Stuttgart and to learn about the latest trends in building technology and sustainable development.

Czech smart building software provider Sharry has secured further investment. The largest amount of investment comes from J&T Ventures now. This allows Sharry to expand into 50 countries this year, co-founders plans.

Romania seeks backing from the European Union for the green rehabilitation and seismic consolidation of buildings. The country aims to receive €2.2 billion worth of EU funds as part of the recovery and resilience mechanism of the European Commission. The scheme deployed across Europe aims to kick start economic growth after the pandemic shock. 

Panattoni Europe has engaged in cooperation with Sense Monitoring, the supplier of smart automation and control systems for flat roof surfaces. Their first joint project will be a facility for a leading logistics provider, currently under construction a short distance from Warsaw. The roof surface in excess of 40,000 sqm will be fitted with the Sense S-One system. It will assist facility management in terms of roof structure integrity and help reduce maintenance costs.

Office developers have for years been struggling with the speed of new technologies. While the innovation cycle in high tech lasts for around 18 months, the development process for office buildings still takes around five years. To ensure tenants and users have easy access to new solutions, Skanska has created an all-in-one operating system for office buildings and workplaces, which can be upgraded over time just like a smartphone.