Property Management Services

If you are finding it more difficult to find qualified plumbers and electricians lately, you’re not alone. The labor shortage in skilled trades is impacting facilities managers in companies both large and small as they struggle to fill vacant roles. According to Facilities Management Advisor, 70% of facilities professionals reported employee retention/recruiting challenges.

And the labor shortage isn’t isolated to any one trade, as these concerning trends show:

There is currently a shortage of 110,000 HVAC technicians.
The U.S. is projected to be short 550,000 plumbers by 2027.
Every year, nearly 10,000 electricians either retire or change careers, but only about 7,000 new ones enter the field.

How Did We Get Here?

Savvy companies are learning that there’s another potential labor pool that boasts high retention and low absenteeism—people with disabilities.

The skilled labor shortage did not develop overnight. Changing attitudes and the economic conditions of the 21^st century have led workers away from the skilled trades.

Lack of Shop Class: In the past, shop class was a popular option among middle and high school students, and these classes served as a pipeline to fill positions in the skilled trades. However, when the No Child Left Behind Act passed in 2002, many schools adopted a college-or-bust mentality and let shop classes fall by the wayside.
Retiring Baby Boomers: While many baby boomers choose to continue working, the boomer workforce is nevertheless declining by 2.2 million workers annually, or 5,900 daily, according to Pew Research. This mass exodus has created more than a labor shortage; it has led to a gap in expertise, as these workers take their extensive knowledge and experience with them when they leave the workforce.
The Great Recession and the Pandemic: After the economic downturn of 2008, many skilled workers who had been laid off never returned to their previous industry. For example, according to Associated General Contractors, the Great Recession led to almost half of construction workers either retiring or finding alternative work. A similar mass exodus of skilled workers happened a little over a decade later when COVID-19 rocked the world.
Decline of Family Businesses: Traditionally, family businesses have been multi-generational. However, the millennial generation for many years showed less interest in continuing legacy businesses, as documented multiple times by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in their annual US Family Business Survey.
Views on Skilled Labor: Those in a position to inherit a family business aren’t the only ones who turned their backs on skilled trades. Many saw these jobs as overly physical and sometimes dangerous. Younger workers especially have for several years opted for work that is more technology-focused and less physically demanding. And some educators and parents encouraged this point of view, which in turn discouraged young people from pursuing traditionally blue-collar careers.

All of these factors have worked together to create a perfect storm that has led to the current labor shortage. But hope is on the horizon. Other, countervailing trends are starting to shift labor dynamics in a more positive direction.

Shifting Calculations for Trade School vs. College

For years, it was widely assumed that earning a college degree was the best way to optimize lifetime earnings. But with the unrelenting rise in college costs, that calculus is changing.

Educationdata.org reports that the typical student at a private university, living on campus, spends nearly $60,000 a year. Factor in student loan interest and the loss of income from forgoing four years of paid work, and the cost of a bachelor’s degree can balloon to a price tag of more than half a million dollars. Students pursuing a trade education, on the other hand, often live free at home, and their tuition typically starts at just a few thousand dollars annually. Additionally, most trade school programs can be completed in two years—and some can be completed in mere months.

At the same time that the financial investment delta between trade schools and colleges is growing larger, the differences in income are growing smaller. While long-term earnings for college graduates have traditionally been higher than for trade school graduates, pay for skilled trades is rapidly increasing. For example, in 2024 the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that record-high demand in manufacturing and construction operations had raised those sectors’ average wages by more than 20% since 2020.

Reskilling and Upskilling

Rather than wait for trade schools to increase the outflow of skilled talent, some companies are taking matters into their own hands and investing in their current workforce. Working with their human resources departments, companies can identify skills gaps within their current workforce and provide relevant training and development opportunities. This approach addresses the current skills shortage while also creating a pipeline of workers for future company needs. An added benefit to this approach is employee retention, as employees are less likely to jump ship if opportunities for growth are available with their current employer.

Skills-Based vs. Credential-Focused Hiring

Skills-based hiring is another solution to the labor shortage. This hiring approach, which emphasizes a candidate’s competency versus a college degree or years of experience, is especially important in a tight labor market as it opens opportunities to a wider pool of candidates. Focusing on objective skills instead of educational pedigrees can also lead to a more diverse workforce. Candidates who have traditionally been overlooked through a more conventional hiring process are often identified through skills-based hiring.

More companies are embracing skills-based hiring to find qualified candidates. In a joint study, American Student Assistance and Jobs for the Future found that 81% of employers now prioritize skills over degrees when hiring, and that 72% of employers feel that a degree is not a reliable indicator when assessing the quality of an applicant.

Recruiting from New Talent Pools

One way to address the skilled trades labor shortage is to look beyond traditional talent pools. For example, skilled trade jobs have traditionally been dominated by men, but many companies are now starting to realize that the best “man” for the job isn’t always a man. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor reports that between 2016 and 2021, the number of women in skilled trades increased by 32%. Despite this increase, women represented only 3.9% of construction workers in 2021, according to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research.

Women are one demographic that has sometimes been overlooked by companies seeking to hire workers in skilled trades. But they are not the only one. Savvy companies are learning that there’s another potential labor pool that boasts high retention and low absenteeism—people with disabilities.

Advantages of Hiring People with Disabilities

According to The U.S. Department of Labor, a little over a tenth of the working-age population in the United States has a disability, yet only 35% of these people are employed. By comparison, the employment-to-population ratio for people without disabilities is 75%. This difference may be fueled by the many myths about employing people with disabilities. For example, many companies wrongly assume that the reasonable accommodations required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be prohibitively expensive. However, a survey of employers by the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) showed just the opposite. Almost half of surveyed businesses reported that accommodations “cost absolutely nothing,” with the median expenditure being a one-time cost of $300.

Furthermore, expenditures to accommodate a person with a disability can often be more than offset through government incentives. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit is a federal program that provides incentives for hiring individuals from certain target groups, such as those with disabilities. Under this program, an employer can generally claim up to $6,000 of an employee’s wages in the first year—provided qualifications are met and appropriate paperwork is completed.

Employers that hire people with disabilities gain a stellar workforce. Employees with disabilities consistently demonstrate low absenteeism and have a high retention rate, improving productivity and profitability for their employers. In fact, according to an Accenture study, businesses that proactively hire people with disabilities generate 30% higher profit margins and 28% more revenue than those who do not.

Companies that have not hired people with disabilities in the past may feel they lack the expertise to manage a diverse workforce. But there is a simple solution—contracting with a third party who employs a reliable, inclusive workforce. In addition to helping your bottom line, such a move can help you score points with customers and investors who are increasingly looking at a company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.

Five Criteria to Consider When Outsourcing Skilled Trades Labor

Finding qualified workers in the skilled trades will be an ongoing problem for at least a few more years. And while facilities management partners can be a solution, not all providers are equally qualified. When searching for a facilities maintenance contractor, keep in mind these important factors:

Ability to Self-Perform: Does the contractor have its own in-house workforce for MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) tasks?
Established Relationships with Specialty Vendors: Does the contractor have relationships in place for those specialty tasks that fall outside the more traditional disciplines of day-to-day maintenance?
Certified Workers: Are the vendor’s workers certified in the relevant skills? It’s essential to ensure that your contractor’s workers are fully trained in the skills you need.
Same-Day Response: What are the vendor’s lead and response times? Is the contractor available 24/7 for emergencies?
Skills and Experience: Does the facilities maintenance provider have the experience to optimize outcomes? For example, in addition to keeping your energy systems operating efficiently, an experienced energy services partner should know how to work with your local utility company to provide a custom rebate program for additional savings.

Addressing the skilled trades labor shortage requires a multipronged approach that includes investing in workplace development and leveraging more inclusive hiring practices. Given that qualified tradespeople will likely remain scarce for several more years at least, partnering with a facilities management provider remains a practical solution for companies seeking to fill essential roles.

Your Skilled Labor Partner

Are you looking to fill vacancies, build a more inclusive workforce, and meet your ESG goals? PRIDE Industries can help you do all three. Our award-winning facilities management services have helped hundreds of companies tap into a reliable talent pipeline. We help recruit, hire, train, and support people with disabilities—free of charge to employers. Learn how we can help you solve your labor shortage.

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In January 1983, Hartford, Connecticut became the site of the world’s first “intelligent building”—a 36-story, 1.3-million-square-foot behemoth aptly named “Cityplace.” Though rudimentary when compared to today’s smart buildings, at the time Cityplace represented a new era in building construction.

A New York Times article from that time describes how the building’s services were managed by a computer system and linked by a fiber-optic network—a trademarked system called a ”Data Highway”—that ran through its core.

“Functions such as heating, ventilation, lighting, transportation, security, fire protection and, most important, telecommunications and electronic office services will be integrated, providing economies in construction and management,” the article stated.

The new concept had its skeptics. In the NYT article, BOMA’s executive vice president was quoted as saying, ”They are still in the testing stage.”

But four decades later, it’s clear that the builders had the right idea. Today’s smart buildings incorporate the core principles of that first prototype—but are far more sophisticated, thanks to massive advances in technology that allow faster and seamless controls. And these innovations are saving business owners millions by creating efficiencies across multiple systems.

While HVAC and lighting savings are the best-known advantages of smart buildings, the fact that all systems can be monitored in real time results in additional operational efficiencies that can be significant money-savers.

What Are Smart Buildings?

Key features of smart buildings include energy efficiency through networked HVAC and lighting systems; automated management systems; data analytics to gain insights into a building’s performance and occupant behavior; connectivity and interoperability; enhanced safety and security systems; predictive maintenance through monitoring equipment in real time; and sustainability by reducing a building’s carbon footprint and overall environmental impact.

When Cityplace opened, the internet as we know it was still a decade off. Computer technology was much less robust. The sophisticated sensors, biometric devices, and other features commonly used today simply didn’t exist.

Now, of course, technology makes a wide array of functions possible that Cityplace designers could only dream of. Some commonly used technologies include:

Building Management Systems

These are the brains that make smart buildings possible. The building management system (BMS) is a control system that can be used to monitor and manage power consumption, HVAC performance, physical access into and within the building, and the status of fire safety systems, elevators, and lights.

A basic BMS consists of software, a server with a database, and smart sensors connected to a network. Sensors gather data and send it to the BMS, where it’s stored in a database. The data is analyzed and reported via dashboards; and if data falls outside the predefined conditions, the BMS will send notifications.

IoT Devices

The Internet of Things (IoT) consists of devices with sensors, processing ability, software, and other technologies that connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet or other networks. The devices provide information to the BMS. Smart technology utilizing IoT and AI can increase energy efficiency by 30%, resulting in a payback period of fewer than 15 years.

Advanced HVAC Systems

These systems utilize energy-efficient components and intelligent controls to significantly reduce energy consumption. For example, sensors can detect which parts of the building are currently unoccupied and reduce heating and cooling to those areas. Conversely, the system can increase ventilation to areas where there are lots of people. By optimizing heating, ventilation, and cooling, these systems ensure that energy is used only when needed.

Smart Lighting

Smart lighting saves money by optimizing the use of natural light and turning off lights in unoccupied areas. It utilizes IoT sensors and advanced analytics to control light sources, enabling healthy illumination that varies according to individual preferences, occupancy, availability of daylight, and other factors.

Security Systems

By implementing access control through biometrics, portable cards, and advanced reporting, access control systems allow facility managers to properly track everyone who enters or exits the building. These advanced systems record the time of entry and departure, and the length of stay, ensuring that all those coming in and out of a building—or section of a building—are authorized to do so.

Benefits of Smart Buildings

While the biggest driver behind the rise of smart buildings is a desire for greater energy efficiency, there are numerous other benefits. These include improving the tenant and visitor experience, providing safer workplaces, and streamlining and optimizing maintenance.

Energy Efficiency

The biggest bang for the buck offered by smart buildings is saving money on heating and air conditioning. In traditional buildings, HVAC systems account for about 40% of total energy consumption. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that simply by adjusting temperatures as needed, a smart HVAC system can lower a building’s energy consumption by 5% to 35%, producing significant financial savings. And companies have indeed found this to be the case: Within 30 days of implementing a building automation system at one of its campuses, Microsoft realized $240,000 in energy savings.

Smart HVAC systems proactively manage energy consumption, reducing unnecessary cooling and heating and therefore significantly lowering energy costs. This intelligent approach not only enhances the efficiency of the system but also extends the lifespan of the HVAC equipment by preventing overuse.

Lighting uses the second-highest amount of energy in a commercial building, accounting for 15% to 20% of energy consumption. By utilizing sensors, the BMS can automatically adjust the amount of lighting in a room based on how much sunlight is available. And like a parent telling a kid to turn out the lights when leaving a room, the system automatically dims or shuts off the lights when a room is unoccupied.

Improved Occupant Comfort

Besides cost savings, a key benefit of smart buildings is enhanced occupant comfort and productivity. As companies work to meet return-to-office (RTO) goals, it’s become important to make places of work as pleasant as possible for staff when they’re onsite, so that the time they spend in the office is a positive experience.

Smart buildings make that possible because the building’s systems can adapt to individual preferences, providing customized lighting, temperature, and other settings for a personalized work environment. Smart building technology also allows desk space and meeting rooms to be booked efficiently, so that office space is maximized, and companies can realize operational savings from their hybrid work schedules.

Operational Efficiency

While HVAC and lighting savings are the best-known advantages of smart buildings, the fact that all systems can be monitored in real time results in additional operational efficiencies that can be significant money-savers. For example, Microsoft found that before the adoption of smart building technologies, their engineers were spending 80% of their time resolving acute management issues, and just 20% in their true capacity as engineers. That changed after the implementation of new monitoring and remote-control technologies—subsequent analysis showed that 48% of the issues identified could be resolved within 60 seconds, a major saving of staff time.

Safety and Security

Having a security guard and a surveillance camera at a building’s main entrance is no longer enough. Today, building security measures include automated visitor check-ins and access control, motion sensors, smart locks, cameras with live monitoring, and AI facial recognition. Building managers can also receive real-time updates on the status of fire alarms, suppression systems, and emergency lighting, enabling swift responses when needed. Cybersecurity protections have also become more common, as the increased connectivity of the IoT has made buildings more vulnerable to attack.

Maintenance Optimization

An important benefit of IoT is that it makes predictive maintenance possible. This prevents malfunctions, keeps small issues from becoming big problems, and significantly reduces the cost of managing real estate assets—while improving the tenant experience. A 2017 study found that predictive maintenance reduced downtime by 35%, unplanned outages by 70%, and costs by 25%. This innovative data-driven approach can transform the upkeep of buildings.

Smart building technology also makes it easier to fix problems as they occur. For instance, if a leak is detected or an HVAC unit has been running for an abnormal amount of time, management is notified, and maintenance personnel can be dispatched quickly to take corrective measures before problems escalate. This proactive approach minimizes downtime and reduces the need for reactive repairs, which can lead to exponentially higher costs.

Moreover, smart building solutions facilitate remote monitoring and control, which gives maintenance teams the ability to manage and troubleshoot systems from a centralized location. Through web-based platforms or mobile applications, technicians can diagnose problems, adjust device settings, and perform routine maintenance tasks without the need to be onsite. Not only does this remote accessibility save time, resources, and labor costs, it also enables teams to respond quickly to emergencies and ensures minimal disruption to building occupants.

As technology continues to advance, the role of smart building solutions in optimizing efficiency for onsite maintenance teams will only grow. By leveraging real-time monitoring, remote diagnostics, and data-driven decision-making, owners can ensure their buildings are operating at peak performance.

The Future of Smart Buildings

Of course, smart building design is evolving along with the technology that drives it. As more devices become connected, and AI capabilities improve, smart building architecture will offer even more innovative solutions for sustainable, efficient, and comfortable working spaces. For example, keycards could be replaced with apps on smartphones and smartwatches or by biometrics. Other key technologies that will shape the office building of the future could include:

IoT-Connected Heat Pumps

These systems can both cool and heat buildings, moving around liquid refrigerants to remove or add heat in a process that can reduce energy consumption by 50% compared to standard heating and cooling systems. Coupled with IoT sensors, these high-tech pumps also enable customized temperature control, allowing rooms to be heated or cooled on demand.

IoT sensors can further improve efficiency by leveraging AI models that actively predict where and when heating or cooling is needed, based on historical trends. AI offers the opportunity to turn HVAC systems from a reactive technology into a proactive one, reducing equipment upkeep.

Virtual Power Plants

Heat pumps with IoT sensors, coupled with local energy-generating resources like rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems, could supply electricity back to the power grid during periods of peak demand. As a result, buildings themselves can act as “virtual power plants,” generating revenue by capitalizing on control of energy usage.

Smart Glass

Soon, more than a quarter of heating and cooling for buildings may go out the window—literally. Smart glass makes this possible by changing the level of tint, or how much light can pass through a window. There are two methods for doing so.

Active smart glass uses a film placed on top of the window to react to the presence of electrical voltage. This enables the glass to change the polarization of the film, resulting in the blocking of more or less sunlight. The glass is hooked up to a power source and can be switched on or off as well as dimmed.

Passive smart glass has a film that reacts to heat or UV/visible light to change polarization. This technology, which is also used for transition lenses, has the benefit of not requiring an external power source. And soon, more advanced smart windows could generate electricity while delivering 30% more energy savings than the smart windows now on the market.

AI-Assisted Occupancy and Security Tech

Advances in AI and computing power have improved security by better detecting and classifying images. Known as computer vision, this technology identifies and analyzes visual data the same way humans do, and can be paired with conventional security technologies, such as metal detectors and thermal screening, to help security personnel identify objects faster.

Digital Twins

A digital twin is a virtual representation of a real object or set of objects, constructed with real-world data collected from IoT sensors. After an initial model is created, digital twins undergo simulations to provide performance feedback under various scenarios without having to test the actual system that’s being modeled.

For example, a manager overseeing an office building’s HVAC system may want to know how much energy savings they’ll see by upgrading to a new heat pump. Using data from IoT sensors that measure temperature and humidity, as well as energy consumption data for the current HVAC system, the building manager can construct a digital twin and run heat pump simulations that compare the current and potential HVAC systems, and so determine if it’s worth the cost to upgrade.

Will these advances all come to pass? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: Smart buildings are poised to revolutionize how we live and work.

Optimizing Smart Buildings

PRIDE Industries has over 35 years of experience in facilities management, energy systems maintenance, engineering services, and preventive and predictive maintenance. We can help you optimize your facility’s systems to lower both energy and maintenance costs. Contact us today to see what our award-winning facilities management services can do for you.

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It may be gradual, but it is happening. Organizations are implementing return to office (RTO) policies that ask employees to be in the office at least a few days a week.

After the COVID-19 era of fully remote work led to downsizing and vacancies in the commercial office space, emerging RTO policies are now causing work schedules to shift again. While it’s true that many businesses have embraced remote work schedules, most companies now require employees to be in the office for at least part of the week. Only 4% of companies say they expect to remain fully remote in the future.

But while workers are coming into the office more often than before, it’s not like companies have rolled back the clock to the pre-pandemic era. Heightened employee expectations, along with a labor shortage that makes hiring and retention a priority, mean that facilities management teams need to be more flexible than ever before.

Smart facility executives and property managers are taking note of changed expectations and are working with company leadership to ensure building services and amenities are conducive to an office environment that “earns the commute”—whether employees are in the office two days a week or five.

Heightened employee expectations, along with a labor shortage that makes hiring and retention a priority, mean that facilities management teams need to be more flexible than ever before.

With that in mind, we look at three ways that facility managers and property owners can keep employees and tenants happy as companies implement or expand their RTO policies.

Hoteling, Hot Desking, and the Hybrid Schedule

Most companies understand that return to office policies will be most successful when a carrot and not a stick is used to get valued employees back in the office. And the carrot for many employees these days is a hybrid work schedule. This is why, according to CBRE Global Workplace & Occupancy Insights, less than 10% of organizations require employees to be in the office five days a week.

While some companies have tried to mandate that their employees return to the office five days a week, this policy has mostly backfired. Businesses that offer hybrid office schedules are able to fill jobs twice as fast as those who require full-time attendance, according to Fortune magazine, making it clear that the hybrid workplace is here to stay. That explains why the CBRE study found that 90% of RTO policies offer a hybrid option.

And while some CEOs grumble about hybrid work schedules, the fact is that companies can realize significant savings by embracing this model. It costs about $8,000 to maintain an office desk. If adopting a hybrid schedule enables a company to move from a one-to-one worker-to-desk ratio to a two-to-one ratio, that can translate into significant savings. For this reason, savvy organizations are introducing desk hoteling, a system in which workers reserve a desk ahead of time through desk booking software or a mobile app. Another popular option is hot desking, where employees grab a desk on a first-come, first-serve basis when they arrive in the office.

To accommodate desk-sharing workspaces and create an efficient hybrid return to office transition, facility leaders need to consider changes on several fronts.

Create Equal Spaces

Is hot desking revealing that certain desks in your office are constantly occupied, while others are consistently empty? To ensure that workers aren’t battling for the same few desks while others are left underutilized, facility managers should investigate the reasons some workstations are shunned. Is the desk in a Wi-Fi dead spot? Is there insufficient light? A lack of electrical outlets?

And there’s another consideration that has nothing to do with the workstation itself. The real estate maxim—“location, location, location”—applies to desks as much as houses. A third of workers report that their incentive to come into the office is to be around coworkers. Given that preference, it’s clear that outlying desks are going to be ignored in favor of workstations that are located in the center of the action. Facilities managers can respond to this preference by placing workstations in grouped configurations.

Leverage IoT

To reduce energy consumption, use IoT-enabled building automation systems to monitor and control energy use. This smart technology can optimize energy consumption by adjusting cooling systems, turning off lights, or automatically closing blinds against direct sunlight. As the fixed workday disappears, take advantage of the data gathering and analytical capabilities of automated systems to optimize how space is used. Statistics from desk booking apps can show desk occupancy, and occupancy sensors can reveal room utilization in communal areas. This data can then be used to make decisions about space allocation, improve occupant comfort, and control building costs as work schedules fluctuate.

Optimize Wireless Technology

Seamless wireless connections are vital for productive in-office work. Remote work has increased the use of technology for meetings and presentations, and this will remain as workers return to offices. Having excellent wireless presentation capabilities, interactive whiteboards in meeting rooms, and similar productivity-enhancing technology will make it easy for those workers who are in the office to collaborate with those who aren’t—a necessity with hybrid work. And for those workers who are in the office on any given day, smart switches and fixtures that control lighting intensity and color can facilitate greater productivity, and go a long way in keeping employees and tenants happy.

Updating Spaces for the Hybrid Worker

Organizations are reevaluating the quality of office environments, and many are finding that improved amenities and more welcoming spaces are a good way to entice employees to make the commute to the office. Now may be time for the tiny chair-less kitchen or drab windowless lunchroom to be transformed into a more inviting space. In addition to rearranging office spaces and creating flexible seating arrangements that align with hybrid work schedules, adding or upgrading amenities is another way to keep employees happy and productive.

Provide Options

Comfortable communal spaces with soft furnishings are great as collaboration hubs for impromptu meetings or brainstorming sessions, and can even lead to better teamwork and morale. At the same time, many employees report the need for quiet in order to focus, which is why it’s equally important to provide rooms or booths that are at least partially soundproofed.

Use Natural Light

Natural light has been shown to improve well-being among employees. It’s also a great way to reduce energy consumption. If your facility doesn’t already have daylight sensors, consider installing them. Reducing or eliminating artificial lighting whenever natural light is available can introduce significant cost savings—and make the workplace ambiance more inviting. In areas where less natural light is available, consider alternative lighting options such as focused task lighting or softer ambient lighting, instead of banks of unforgiving fluorescent lights as the sole source of illumination.

Cosmetic improvements

Just because an upgrade is easy or inexpensive doesn’t mean it’s not effective. A coat of paint, plenty of plants, and new decor in dull areas can make a big difference to the office ambience. This goes for hallways and bathrooms too.

Service Amenities

Employee surveys show that workers appreciate amenities like gyms, cafés, outdoor trails, and roof gardens. But not every company can afford a café on the roof or a fully outfitted gym. In that case, consider smaller, less expensive improvements, like upgrading the seating in an outdoor patio. Even little changes can make a difference.

Customer Service for the Return to Office Naysayers

While many executives want to bring employees back to the office five days a week, a high percentage of employees do not share that sentiment. In fact, according to Forbes Advisor, 98% of workers want to work remotely for at least part of the week.

The reasons for this preference vary. Some employees do not want to return to the office because their WFH (work-from-home) setup is better. Many have caregiving responsibilities that require flexible schedules. Some employees are simply more productive, and more likely to work longer hours, when at home. Others have concerns about viral exposure.

These are all valid concerns, and they can be addressed by providing excellent facility management services.

Responsiveness

Workers are not willing to make the commute to a building where the thermostat is broken or there are unresolved plumbing issues in one of the bathrooms. Here’s where CMMS software can make a real difference, enabling you to stay on top of these inevitable issues in a timely manner. These software systems also make it possible to engage in predictive maintenance, so that you catch issues before they happen.

Show Off Your Cleaning

Buildings with efficient and timely janitorial protocols will make employees feel less stressed. Consider scheduling some janitorial services during work hours. This will not only save on labor costs, but will also reassure building occupants that high standards of cleanliness are being met. Making janitorial staff visible during the workday has been shown to reduce employee complaints, perhaps because it provides visual proof that the building is being properly maintained.

Even though the pandemic is over, COVID-19 and other viruses are still circulating. Letting employees know that sanitation protocols are still in effect, and letting them see for themselves that these protocols are being carried out by the janitorial staff, can go a long way in providing peace of mind.

Facilitate Communication and Community

Incorporating digital signage to show who is in the office and where they are working can be a great way to increase community among employees. And always be sure to communicate to occupants when significant maintenance is being performed, so that they know what to expect in advance. For significant projects, communicate well in advance—through email and physical signage—so that building occupants can plan for any disruptions to their routines.

Facility Managers Can Ease the Return to Office

Office schedules and leasing may have been upturned due to the pandemic, but the RTO trend is continuing to bring workers back to the office—albeit a different kind of workplace.

New office configurations and technology will be crucial for meeting the demands of hybrid work schedules, as will agile facility services that emphasize excellent customer service. By working cross-functionally with company leadership, facility managers can play a key role in creating a workplace that runs smoothly and makes employees happy to be back in the office.

Your Return to Office Facilities Partner

Optimize your office operations for RTO success with our award-winning facility management services. With more than 140 million square feet of facilities under management, and over 35 years of experience, PRIDE Industries can help you create an office environment that’s both efficient and welcoming.

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The federal government and a growing number of states are seeking ways to combat climate change, leading them to tighten up emissions standards for everything from vehicles to buildings. And in the same way that regulators are hoping to make zero-emission vehicles the norm, net zero buildings are being touted as the next innovation to combat pollution.

Buildings are being targeted because the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that they are responsible for more than a third of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. In an effort to reduce the size of this carbon footprint, both the federal government and several states have already started crafting regulations to encourage the creation of net zero buildings. The California Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan, for example, calls for all new commercial construction to be net zero by 2030, and for 50% of existing buildings to be retrofitted to net zero building standards by 2030. The federal government recently followed suit, with goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings by 65% by 2035 and by 90% by 2050.

A JLL study found that buildings with better sustainability credentials achieved an average capital value premium of more than 20%, as well as higher rents.

The new regulations don’t just affect new construction. Because about 60% of existing buildings will still be in use 50 years from now, many of these structures will need to be retrofitted in order to conform to net zero standards.

The Advantages of Net Zero Buildings

The Department of Energy defines a net zero building as one that reduces its energy usage through a variety of energy-saving features and technologies, while producing enough renewable energy to meet its own needs. Besides potentially large reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonizing the buildings sector has multiple public benefits, including reducing the size of new power grid infrastructure and enabling clean energy resources like on-site solar panels, battery storage, and EV charging.

And the environment isn’t the only beneficiary of the new standards. Besides helping to reduce carbon emissions, building retrofits can lead to significant advantages for building owners.

One obvious benefit is reduced energy costs. These costs have risen sharply over the past few years, which impacts profitability. For example, a global survey conducted by Sapio Research found that 23% of an industrial company’s annual operating costs are attributable to energy use. And more than half of survey respondents perceived rising energy costs as a moderate or even substantial threat to their profitability.

Net zero buildings provide indirect benefits as well. For example, in a study by global real estate services company JLL, researchers found that buildings with better sustainability credentials achieved an average capital value premium of more than 20%, along with higher rents—signaling an expectation of higher returns and lower risks.

Maximizing the Benefits of Net Zero Buildings

The data show that constructing or retrofitting buildings to meet net zero standards can deliver real benefits. So how can building owners achieve net zero?

To receive the most benefit from retrofitting, owners should take a systemic approach. A recent report from Lawrence Berkeley Laboratories, for example, found that simply upgrading individual building components such as equipment or lighting systems has less potential for whole building energy savings as compared to comprehensive, system-based approaches.

“Systems retrofits hold the potential for much greater savings and are critical to achieving aggressive energy reduction goals in the existing commercial building stock,” the report states.

Creating Net Zero Buildings Through Retrofitting

Fortunately, owners of existing buildings have many different ways to significantly reduce emissions. And as a recent report by the United Kingdom Green Building Council points out, it’s often less expensive to retrofit a quality building than to tear it down and build a new one. That same report also suggests that upgrades don’t all need to be done at once, but should instead be systematically planned and implemented to align with lease and maintenance cycles.

There are a number of steps that should be part of any comprehensive retrofit. Whether you conduct this work in house, or with a facilities maintenance provider who can offer engineering support, here are some steps to consider when crafting a retrofit plan to fit your particular needs.

Energy efficiency audit

Before making any changes, it’s crucial to conduct an energy efficiency audit. This helps identify current energy usage and areas where improvements can be made. The audit should include an assessment of key infrastructure such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; lighting; insulation; and windows. In many cases, an audit can also provide the technical and financial information (e.g., upfront costs, ongoing costs, projected energy savings, return on investment, etc.) that decision-makers need to evaluate and approve energy efficiency, electrification, and grid interactivity retrofits.

These audits provide decision-makers with the information needed to design comprehensive projects that maximize energy and cost savings. In many buildings, energy costs can be reduced by 20% or more through the identification and implementation of energy conservation measures.

Once the audit results are in, you can decide which of the following upgrades make the most sense for your particular building.

Insulation and sealing

According to Energy Star, air leakage can cause up to 20% of a building’s energy to go to waste. Poorly sealed windows and doors, gaps and cracks in the building envelope, and leaks in ventilation systems and ductwork are most often responsible for the loss of conditioned air.

This is why building envelope retrofits—such as replacing older windows with energy-efficient ones and adding cool roof systems and exterior shading applications—can lead to significant energy savings. In some cases, these retrofits can even allow the use of smaller-capacity HVAC systems.

HVAC Upgrades

Older HVAC systems can be energy hogs. Upgrading to newer and more efficient systems, such as those with variable speed drives and energy recovery ventilators, can significantly reduce energy consumption. In addition, new systems are much less likely to break down, saving on repair and maintenance costs. Newer systems also have additional components, such as enhanced air purifiers and filters, that result in cleaner, fresher air for employees.

Innovative Lighting

Switching to LED lighting, which is much more energy-efficient than incandescent and even fluorescent lighting, is the low-hanging fruit of retrofitting. Installing motion sensors that let you turn off lights (and drop HVAC usage) when a room is empty can also yield significant savings. And daylight redirecting devices, which range in sophistication from simple skylights to high-tech solar concentrators, enable you to maximize sunlight capture.

Renewable Energy Sources

Energy Star suggests installing onsite renewable energy technology, such as solar panels or wind turbines, to offset a building’s energy consumption. If onsite energy generation isn’t feasible, purchasing renewable energy credits or investing in offsite renewable projects can also help achieve net zero building status.

Water Conservation

Implementing water-saving fixtures and recycling systems (like graywater systems for toilet flushing or irrigation) helps reduce the overall environmental footprint. In addition, switching from a central hot water heater system to point-of-use, on-demand water heaters is another effective energy-saving strategy.

Sustainable Materials and Resources

During renovations or upgrades, urge your contractors to use materials that are sustainable, have low embodied carbon, and are locally sourced, if possible. This minimizes the environmental impact associated with building materials. Good options include recycled metals, low-carbon bricks, and structural timber.

Smart Building Technologies

Smart technology has two complementary goals: better data capture and increased control over operations and the environment. Three technologies are commonly used to help building managers meet those goals: sensors that measure usage and potential leaks, networking systems that collect and monitor data, and automation software and tools that optimize the building’s systems. Smart HVAC and lighting controls are the most common technologies utilized, but there are other applications as well: managing water usage and alerting managers to costly leaks; improving occupant comfort by tracking how many people are in a room and adjusting HVAC systems accordingly; and controlling windows to adjust for optimal lighting based on outside conditions.

Transportation

Building managers can affect energy usage beyond the confines of the building envelope. Retrofits can be an excellent time to add features that encourage sustainable transportation, such as charging stations for electric vehicles, secure bicycle parking, and easy access to public transport.

After the Retrofit: Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance

After upgrades, continuous monitoring of the building’s energy performance is crucial. This helps to ensure that the building continues to operate at peak efficiency and allows for adjustments as needed.

Energy Star reports that integrating energy efficiency into your facility’s operation and maintenance (O&M) program reduces operating costs, lowers the risk of early equipment failure and unscheduled downtime, and increases a facility’s net operating income. It also ensures a comfortable environment for building occupants, leading to fewer “hot and cold” complaints.

To maximize energy efficiency, Energy Star recommends operating equipment only when needed, optimizing the use of control systems, performing periodic inspections of critical systems, scheduling after-hours walk-throughs, and seasonally adjusting control strategies. Fortunately, the advent of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) have made it easier for facilities managers to adopt all of these practices by having access to real-time data that enables detailed planning and the efficient deployment of personnel.

Finally, while instituting a comprehensive monitoring and maintenance program is crucial, building owners and managers can’t do it all. Engaging occupants and providing training on how to maintain and enhance a building’s net zero capabilities is essential. Building occupants significantly impact a building’s energy use through their day-to-day behaviors. Educating occupants about energy usage, and creating a culture of conservation, can make a difference in your building’s energy consumption.

An Energy-Saving Partner

PRIDE Industries has over 35 years of experience in facility management, energy systems maintenance, engineering services, and preventive and predictive maintenance. We can help you move toward net zero by optimizing your facility’s systems and lowering energy costs, all while maximizing occupant comfort.

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In the array of daily tasks and skills required to ensure facility operations are streamlined, building energy management looms large. Energy is vital for a building’s ongoing security and asset operation, and poor or excessive energy use comes at a monetary and environmental cost.

Effective management of an organization’s energy also impacts tenant and market perceptions of a brand and its building operations. In fact, studies by ENERGY STAR have shown that when compared to typical buildings, energy-efficient buildings have a resale value that’s up to 31 percent higher and deliver rental premiums that are up to 16 percent higher.

Not only that, according to a 2024 joint report issued by PwC and the World Economic Forum (WEF), if organizations implement energy-saving measures (such as using AI to control existing lighting and HVAC systems) by the end of this decade, it’s possible to achieve up to a 31 percent reduction in global energy consumption. This reduction could result in annual savings of $2 trillion at current energy prices.

These numbers illustrate that energy-efficient improvements in processes and equipment can decrease energy intensity (the amount of energy used per unit of gross domestic product) by enabling over-utilized or wasted energy to be funneled into more productive activities. Using building energy management to facilitate the capture of wasted energy for productive use not only boosts economic growth but also saves money, strengthens competitiveness, and reduces carbon emissions.

Studies by ENERGY STAR have shown that when compared to typical buildings, energy-efficient buildings have a resale value that’s up to 31 percent higher and deliver rental premiums that are up to 16 percent higher.

So, what are the best ways to keep on top of building energy management? We take a look at this crucial area to see how you can start taking steps this year to optimize energy management in your building.

Building Energy Management: Modifications and Maintenance

Modifications that optimize building energy management range from moderate operations and maintenance changes that require little or no cost to large capital expenditures like replacing equipment.

Although it’s true that large energy savings can be gained from projects that require an upfront investment—such as replacing an HVAC system—small adjustments can also save energy, and a lot of small changes can add up to significant cost savings with minimal effort. To get you started, here is a list of energy-saving modifications and maintenance strategies that don’t require a huge dollar investment.

Lighting

Optimize daylight. Relying on daylight instead of electric lights can reduce costs by 10 to 40 percent, so make the best use of natural light by opening and closing blinds strategically.
Replacing fluorescent and incandescent lighting with LEDs can reduce energy consumption by up to 90 percent. And since LEDs last up to 50 times longer than conventional lightbulbs, you’ll also save on labor costs. Keep in mind that parking lot lamps and exit signs can also use LEDs.
Look at areas with low traffic use and install occupancy sensors. This can save between 15 to 30 percent in lighting costs. And make sure that light sources aren’t blocked by drapes, bookcases, etc.
Consider changing custodial schedules to reduce the hours per day that lights are turned on. In other words, consider having cleaning staff work during the day. Some facilities have found that cleaning a building during a time when occupants are in the building can actually help reduce tenant complaints—perhaps because tenants are more aware of the work being performed.

Maintenance and Repair

Conduct a visual inspection of equipment insulation, ductwork, and piping, looking for tears, stains, etc. Repairing these will increase energy efficiency.
Check that vents are not blocked by furniture or other items. Efficiency can be reduced by as much as 25 percent when air vents are covered.
Ensure HVAC filters are changed regularly. When filters are dirty, the system must work harder, lowering indoor air quality and costing more to operate.
For a more efficient HVAC, install variable frequency drives (VFDs). VFDs allow better flow control, so the system doesn’t run at full throttle when it’s not needed.
Adjust building automation system (BAS) controls to automatically reduce the thermostat setting for times when the building isn’t occupied.
Take advantage of your facility’s energy management systems (EMS) by ensuring staff are fully trained in all control capabilities. If the system is only used to turn equipment on and off or for time-of-day control, you may be missing out on energy-saving strategies.
Regular HVAC check-ups are essential. An annual maintenance contract should include pre-season tune-ups, which will make the system more efficient and prolong its life.
Keep refrigerator condenser coils clean and maintain an air gap of at least three inches between the wall and the back of office refrigerators or water coolers.
Perform an afterhours/nighttime audit to find out which equipment is using energy unnecessarily. Then update the sleep settings on all office equipment to ensure that they automatically go into low-power mode when not in use.
Revisit equipment sequencing to optimize start-up and power-down times.

Consider Commissioning

Commissioning your commercial buildings is like tuning up your car. In the ordinary course of operations, building systems naturally “drift” from their optimal settings over time. Commissioning makes sure these systems—many of which impact energy costs—are running the way they should be.

Whether you conduct a retro-commission (for buildings that have never been commissioned) or a re-commission (if it’s been more than three to five years since the last commissioning), “tuning up” your facilities can yield substantial energy savings.

Measure Consumption

If you’re unsure which modifications to make and want to take a systematic and customized approach to saving energy in your facility, then an energy audit is a good way to start. A whole building energy audit can range from a walk-through assessment to an in-depth report that will include vendor quotes for large projects. ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers) has three levels of energy audits set out in their Standard 211:

Level 1 – This level is comprised of a walk-through that looks at the building envelope, HVAC, lighting, and water infrastructure. It also includes a utility bill analysis to understand historical energy consumption patterns. This level is a good initial assessment for small to medium-sized buildings, or if you have budget constraints. The audit typically results in a brief report that identifies energy-efficiency measures (EEMs), many of which will likely fall in the low- to no-cost category.

Level 2 – With a Level 2 energy audit, auditors spend more time on site, speaking with facility staff and conducting a thorough building survey. This audit involves a detailed analysis of energy systems, historical data, and visual observations. The resulting audit report summarizes current energy consumption and costs and provides an analysis of recommended EEMs, including implementation costs, expected savings, and payback periods.

Level 3 – This type of analysis builds on the Level 2 energy audit and focuses on the feasibility of large capital-intensive projects that will save energy. The report provides engineering recommendations based on computer modeling, and includes a financial analysis (including lifecycle cost analysis and return on investment (ROI) calculations) of the benefits and risks associated with installing and maintaining energy-saving upgrades, such as new equipment.

ASHRAE audits take a “whole building” approach, but there are instances where you may have a more focused need—such as when an HVAC system is getting old and inefficient. In this case a targeted audit will reveal the best time to replace the system and how long it will take for the investment to pay off.

Alternatively, it’s possible to conduct an in-house energy audit. Keep in mind, however, that performing your own audit will require a detailed plan that clearly defines what data is needed, and a collaborative effort among employees to collect it.

If you choose to conduct an in-house energy assessment, consider using energy modeling tools such as those provided by the EPA’s ENERGY STAR. These tools will enable you to set and measure building energy targets in an apples-to-apples comparison against existing buildings from a national database. And if your city or state already requires energy benchmark reporting for your facility, you have a head start on your information gathering efforts.

Ongoing Monitoring and Building Energy Management Through Technology

Smart use of IoT and AI is the future of energy optimization in commercial facilities. Upgrading to AI-driven, smart equipment can increase energy efficiency by 30 percent, resulting in a payback period of fewer than 15 years, according to the PwC and WEF 2024 report.

A significant advantage of IoT in building energy management is its ability to continuously monitor systems and equipment, eliminating the need for a human to do physical checks. But to reap the benefits of smart systems, you’ll need to first choose the technology that’s right for your facility and invest in staff training to get the most from your system. Most importantly, you should understand what these new technologies can and can’t deliver.

How do IoT and AI tools work to improve building energy management?

Connectivity: Through an infrastructure of information gathered by connected equipment, devices, and systems, IoT allows communication and information sharing in real time.
System Control: By using sensors and actuators (the components responsible for adjusting system parameters), IoT delivers more precise control of energy use.
Analysis: With AI, vast amounts of data can be analyzed, providing valuable insights that allow for informed energy-saving decisions to be made.

How do IoT and AI enhance building energy management?

Recognition of Energy Patterns: IoT platforms can identify when and how energy is used within a building. This information allows facilities managers to implement cost-reduction strategies, such as curbing energy consumption at peak times to avoid paying higher rates for electricity.
Occupant Activity Analysis: Understanding the behavior patterns, activity levels, and comfort preferences of occupants is crucial for optimizing energy efficiency. IoT can track and analyze occupants’ behavior, enabling tailored energy-saving measures.
Weather Data: Weather conditions directly impact energy usage, particularly with HVAC systems. IoT platforms can collect, analyze, and correlate weather data with other building information (such as occupancy levels) and adjust energy management strategies based on weather forecasts.
Total Energy Consumption: IoT technology can track the total energy consumption of a facility’s systems and equipment—for both systems that operate continuously and intermittently used assets—providing a clear picture of overall energy usage and the role of individual devices.

Using IoT and AI technology allows real-time data updates from sensors and fast action from actuators to provide occupants with the same level of comfort while using less energy.

Investing in Energy Efficiency Pays Off

Studies like the PwC/WEF analysis show that optimizing energy management translates to lower operating costs, increased tenant satisfaction, and a smaller carbon footprint. Taking the steps to measure, modify, and monitor your facility’s energy use will lower energy consumption, but there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Good building energy management requires an in-depth analysis of your facility’s unique characteristics and energy consumption patterns, as well as a customized plan to optimize energy use.

Fortunately, even small changes can yield savings. Every step counts, from simple interventions to building retrofits. Whether it’s optimizing airflow and daylight by rearranging furniture, or investing in sophisticated IoT and AI systems, improving energy efficiency is a win-win for your business and the planet.

An Energy-Saving Partner

PRIDE Industries has over 35 years of experience in facility management, energy systems maintenance, engineering services, and preventive and predictive maintenance. We can help you optimize your facility’s systems, lowering energy and other costs while maximizing operations and occupant comfort.

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Most people don’t give commercial elevator technology much thought, unless they get stuck in a lift or spend several minutes waiting for a car that never arrives. For facility managers, of course, it’s a different matter. For them, elevator function is often front of mind, as the need for safe, quick, and reliable transportation up and down a building is vital for occupants.

Elevators are quite literally at the core of high-rise commercial and residential buildings, and their function is integral to tenant mobility and comfort. Yet despite their vital importance, the fundamental systems and technology behind this transportation mode haven’t radically changed since the first commercial elevator was installed in 1857.

But now that’s about to change.

From Ropes to Magnets

Elevator technology is steadily moving into the digital age, incorporating IoT and AI technologies to make its functions safer, customizable, and efficient.

In 1854, at the Crystal Palace Emporium in New York City, an engineer named Elisha Otis stepped on to an open-air elevator cab. His assistants then hoisted the cab up above the crowd before unexpectedly cutting the rope that was holding it up. But instead of crashing to the ground, the elevator cab stayed where it was, and Otis proved his point: His innovative brake design worked.

In addition to showing off his new invention, Otis’ stunt was designed to set aside public fears that elevators were dangerous (which they certainly had been up to that point). His safety mechanism worked, and now, more than 160 years later, Otis’ invention—the traction elevator—can be found in buildings all around the world.

Since Otis’ famous demonstration, the commercial elevator has undergone multiple improvements that have made it more comfortable and easier to operate. But its fundamental mechanics have remained the same—until now. Today, companies are developing new and revolutionary vertical transportation systems that could render both traction and hydraulic elevators a thing of the past.

TK Elevator (TKE) is at the forefront of making this new technology a reality. Instead of using cables and pulleys like a traction elevator, or the pistons and cylinders of a hydraulic elevator, the company’s system relies on linear drive technology, which harnesses the power of magnets to move the elevator car. This technology, also known as maglev (short for magnetic levitation) is the same technology used in some high-speed trains, such as the Shinkansen—or bullet train—in Japan.

The maglev elevator system works like a continuous train but with the ground-breaking ability to alternate from vertical to horizontal travel. By using swivel points (like those found in a railway turntable) that can rotate the cab when it stops at a floor, the traveler has the option to go in any one of four directions: left, right, up, or down. Routes can be planned and monitored by software, avoiding congestion and bottlenecks.

This new elevator design is a game changer for commercial buildings. With this system, cars can operate independently of one another. This allows more than two cabins per shaft, increasing capacity by up to 50%. Maglev elevators also offer designers and architects greater flexibility in building design, and even enable buildings to be connected via elevator skybridges. Now offices can connect directly to transportation, hotels, or restaurants.

Not only that, but this multi-directional elevator also works with smaller cars that can run simultaneously in a single shaft. And the option of multiple shafts (or tracks) within a building enables even greater choice and mobility.

Another advantage of maglev elevators is their ability to travel far higher than conventional elevators, which are limited to approximately 150 stories. Past this height, the load is too heavy for traction elevators (and not an option for hydraulic elevators, which are best suited to low-rise applications). That’s why, currently, taller skyscrapers add additional shafts, requiring passengers to change elevators midway in order to get to the top of the building.

TKE’s system, called MULTI, is currently undergoing safety tests in the company’s 807-foot-high elevator test tower in Germany. The company has announced plans to install a working system in their U.S. offices in the near future.

Smart Tech and the Commercial Elevator

Enabling elevator cabs to move sideways is undoubtedly the most noticeable shift in elevator technology. But it’s not the only one. Even conventional traction and hydraulic elevators are undergoing significant changes. Elevator technology is steadily moving into the digital age, incorporating IoT and AI technologies to make elevators safer, customizable, and efficient. Here are seven developments to look out for.

Digital Twins

Facility engineers are replacing the clipboard and wrench for an iPad, and this trend is likely to pick up speed as digital twin technology is more widely implemented.

Digital twins are already making an impact in other sectors (such as electronics manufacturing) and could be a game-changer in elevator maintenance as well. Digital twin technology involves creating a virtual replica, or twin, of the physical elevator, allowing technicians to monitor and analyze its performance in a virtual environment.

Digital twins facilitate predictive maintenance by simulating potential problems, enabling technicians to identify and address issues before they manifest in the physical system. This not only reduces downtime but also optimizes maintenance schedules, leading to cost savings and enhanced elevator reliability.

Smart Equipment Monitoring

Advanced sensors are rapidly becoming standard elevator equipment, enabling real-time monitoring and smart diagnostics. These sensors collect data on various components, from motors and cables to control systems, providing a comprehensive view of the elevator’s health. Data can then be analyzed for anomalies, enabling the early detection of potential issues. This improves diagnostic accuracy and allows maintenance practices to shift from reactive to proactive interventions, thus ensuring that elevators consistently operate at peak efficiency.

Traffic Control and Destination Dispatch Optimization

Sophisticated software is now available to optimize elevator traffic, increasing energy efficiency and reducing passenger wait times. Destination dispatch systems are one of these new developments. These systems operate by having occupants input their destination floor at a lobby console, which uses software to group passengers with the same or neighboring destinations, so that they share the same elevator.

By strategically grouping individuals heading to the same or nearby floors, and intelligently assigning elevator routes, this technology minimizes unnecessary stops and decreases wait times—an improvement any passenger can appreciate. The system is also ADA-aware and can accommodate people with disabilities by allocating lifts that are equipped with ramps, have wider doorways, and will hold the cabin doors open longer.

In addition to reducing passenger wait times, this same software reduces elevator energy consumption by managing traffic flow during peak usage intervals. Motion, temperature, and vibration sensors gather occupancy information, enabling AI software to predict which floors will be busy at any given time. By monitoring this real-time data and adjusting elevator availability and location, these new systems can mitigate unnecessary stops and adapt to passenger demands, reducing both occupant travel time and energy consumption.

Smart Cabin Sensors

Sensors also play a pivotal role inside the elevator cabin, enabling additional energy efficiency and optimizing the user experience. Advanced sensors can detect whether an elevator is in use or idle, allowing for intelligent adjustments to lighting and ventilation. These sensors utilize motion detection technology to identify the presence of passengers, triggering changes in the elevator’s environment. When the elevator is unoccupied, for example, lights are dimmed and the ventilation system is switched to energy-saving mode. These adjustments can significantly reduce energy consumption, without compromising the occupant experience.

Biometrics

The biometric market is expected to grow to $82.9 billion by 2027, and the commercial elevator is sure to be part of this market growth. Cutting-edge biometric systems, such as fingerprint and retina scanners, are already being used in some elevators to confirm identities and grant access to authorized individuals. These systems add an extra layer of building security beyond traditional keycards and passcodes, ensuring that only approved personnel can access specific floors or areas within a building.

Other biometric technologies are on the horizon. Facial, palm print, and even vein pattern recognition technologies are being explored as possible modes of access control for elevators. And as AI continues to advance, it’s expected that biometric systems will become more adaptive and capable of identifying and responding to subtle changes in user biometrics over time—compensating, for example, for a new scar or other facial change an employee might experience. These biometric developments will not only enhance elevator security but also reflect the ongoing evolution toward more seamless and personalized systems.

Voice Recognition

AI advancements in language processing make voice recognition a promising user interface technology—one that can certainly enhance elevator functionality. By allowing users to control elevator functions, provide building information, and answer questions in a hands-free manner, this technology could be particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility challenges, or anyone carrying packages.

There are challenges, however. Voice commands are sometimes processed inaccurately, especially in noisy environments. There are also privacy and data security concerns. As with any AI technology, the success of voice recognition in elevators hinges on continuous improvement, addressing these challenges, and ensuring a balance between convenience and user privacy.

Virus Mitigation

Given the safety and reliability of modern elevators, the greatest danger they pose to occupants is likely viral. Businesses are aware of this and are taking steps to mitigate this health issue. While it’s not possible to ensure that elevator cabins are 100 percent virus free, new technologies make it possible to significantly reduce viral transmission.

In addition to biometric devices that enable voice and face recognition, there is software available that lets elevator occupants use their smart phones to select the floor they want, eliminating the need to touch a public panel. And even the button panels themselves are becoming touchless. Screens are being developed that incorporate infrared sensors in the interface, allowing passengers to select a floor by simply hovering a finger a few centimeters in front of the panel. And for areas where touchless screens are not viable, the commercial elevator of the future will be fitted with walls and handles that are made from natural antimicrobial materials such as copper.

Finally, thanks to research by NASA, air purification systems (some of which use photocatalytic oxidation) have been approved by the FDA and are now being incorporated into elevator cabins.

The Commercial Elevator Is Leveling Up

Once Elisha Otis convinced the public that the commercial elevator was safe to use, it quickly transformed the urban landscape. Structures could now reach up towards the sky, enabling taller office buildings. Even residential real estate was turned on its head, as the cheap apartment at the top of the stairs became the desirable penthouse with a view away from the smells and noises of the city.

Now innovative technologies appear set to make similar radical changes to the commercial elevator. In the near future, both office employees and apartment dwellers will have the ability to move horizontally as well as vertically, and for greater distances than currently possible. This development could, conceivably, allow you to move from your office, up to and across a skybridge to your apartment building, then down to your apartment’s floor—without ever leaving the elevator cabin. That change in living would likely be as significant as the one Elisha Otis ushered in when he stepped on to his elevator platform in 1857.

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Whether you need elevator maintenance, solar installation, sustainable landscaping, or general facilities maintenance, we can help you bring all your facility’s assets into an efficient and optimized future. Contact us today to learn more.

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