UK
The 2023 Facilities Show, one of the industry’s biggest networking events, took place from the 16th – 18th of May at the London ExCel Centre. This year we saw energy management and sustainability themes across various talks at the smart building’s theatre, with more future-led ideas involving AI and even robots!
The SWG team set up shop for three days at our exhibition stand, networking with the show attendees and many familiar faces in the industry. The show was opened by an address from the minister for energy efficiency and green finance, Lord Martin Callanan. He presented to an audience of FM professionals about how the government plans to achieve net zero, and how the FM space was being considered within these plans.
Building Regulations of the Future
Many in the construction and commercial property industries are monitoring the progress of Government regulation around net zero and energy efficiency. Right now, many businesses are still doing their own thing when it comes to their building’s sustainability regulations. We should be acting now for energy efficiency changes to be able to make the desired impact on the environment. Soon the nice to-dos in the smart building world will become the have to-dos of energy management law.
We already have numerous clients that are working with our QFM CAFM software which enables them to optimise the efficiency of facilities management services with great success at their sites. The future is now, as the technology is ready for mass integration. Businesses have identified that they require particular guidelines on what they need for their buildings and why. At SWG, we build and design software that can be moulded to suit the individual needs of our clients. You can find out more about our QFM software on our website.
Energy management
Unsurprisingly, energy management was a key theme at the event. Many of the talks revolved around how sensors and building management systems can be used to save energy and improve the sustainability of a building. The impact of AI on smart building operations was also explored by speakers, such as introductions of AI-powered smart meters. We are always discovering new ways to digest the data gathered from smart buildings as the industry develops, enhancing its benefits and offering new perspectives.
Changing spaces
The smart buildings of the future will also be human-centric and space-saving in their design. Reflecting on changes in the commercial property industry in recent years, business leaders are looking for the most efficient spaces that align with their ESG principles. Therefore, design and efficient use of space is key. Our QFM Space platform streamlines workspace planning and move management, helping to maximise space utilisation and reduce occupancy costs. If your business needs a solution for keeping track of your space utilisation and move management scenario planning, get in touch to see how QFM can support you.
Digital Construction Week
Across the hall, Digital Construction Week was also taking place simultaneously, and marketing manager Hazel Bedson was representing SWG at the IWFM Technology Special Interest Group stand. The event covered similar themes, with talks about climate resilient planning through digital twins and how we use data as the real key to success on our path to net zero.
As always, it was a great week with learnings that we’ll be able to apply to our work and continue supporting our customers.
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