Sustainable living starts with smart property management
Unfortunately, buildings do more than just shape our skylines. They generate nearly 40% of global carbon emissions through embodied carbon and operational emissions. As urban infrastructure develops, property managers face a complex challenge: how to transform built environments into efficient, sustainable living spaces that don't just meet regulations but also deliver environmental, economic and societal benefits.
Short glossary :
- BMS (Building Management System): A system that controls and monitors a building’s mechanical and electrical services.
- Embodied Carbon: Total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the production, transportation, installation, maintenance and disposal of building materials and products over their entire life cycle.
- ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance): A framework for measuring corporate sustainability.
- VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): Chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature and can contribute to air pollution and indoor air quality issues.
From principles to practice: building sustainability that delivers
Smart, efficient, regenerative practices are defining the future of sustainable property management, and implementing them is easier than you might think.
Take any of the more “modern” buildings in Paris, like the Tour Montparnasse or the Pompidou Centre. These iconic legacies of the city’s large-scale urban projects in the 1970s suffer from outdated insulation, inefficient heating and excessive energy use, making them expensive to run. A deep retrofit that makes use of renewable energy, incorporates smart building systems and makes energy-efficient upgrades could reduce energy consumption by up to two-thirds while dramatically improving occupants’ well-being.
Optimised energy use and reduced carbon footprint: powering down to power up
Smart, sustainable energy management isn’t just a set of buzzwords thrown together; it's a practical, forward-thinking approach to property management that is proven to cut down costs while also making environmental sense.
● Smart Building Systems: Modern Building Management Systems (BMS) optimise energy use automatically, adjusting heating in empty spaces and fine-tuning lighting based on natural light conditions.
● Energy-efficient retrofits: Upgrading insulation, implementing high-performance building envelopes, replacing outdated HVAC systems and installing LED lights can cut energy consumption by at least 40%.
● Integrating renewables: Harnessing energy from above and below can offer significant long-term savings. Solar installations now offer 5-7 year payback periods, while geothermal technologies like heat pumps provide efficient heating and cooling by leveraging consistent ground temperatures. This stability offers greater financial visibility by shielding property managers from fluctuating utility prices.
● Energy-sharing networks: Property clusters are pioneering micro-generation and energy-sharing models where buildings exchange surplus renewable energy, cutting reliance on external power grids. This collaborative approach transforms building complexes into self-sustaining energy communities.
Forward-looking property maintenance: integrating circular economy principles
Sustainable property maintenance is about more than merely fixing what’s broken. It’s about preventing tomorrow’s problems and converting waste streams into valuable resources. This requires a shift from traditional reactive upkeep to proactive asset management.
● Predictive maintenance: AI-powered monitoring helps anticipate equipment failure, helping to reduce waste and costs, not to mention stress! Sensor networks can detect minor performance changes weeks before failures occur, allowing for scheduled repairs during planned downtime.
● Eco-friendly materials: Switching to low-carbon refrigerants in line with new F-gas regulations, as well as low VOC and non-toxic materials, can improve air quality for the benefit of both people and the planet.
● Recycling and reusing resources: Implementing circular principles, like construction waste recycling and rainwater harvesting for landscaping, generates measurable cost savings while reducing landfill waste and water consumption.
Buildings that learn and adapt: interacting with smart infrastructure
Smart technologies are revolutionising how buildings adapt and optimise to both occupant needs and environmental demands, creating environments that actively respond rather than statically exist.
● Occupant-responsive architecture: Intelligent lighting, HVAC systems and dynamic shading solutions that respond to human presence are used to create environments that adapt to people’s needs rather than forcing them to adapt to the building’s limitations.
● Seamless IoT integration: Real-time monitoring systems embedded within walls and ceilings track air quality, water usage and building performance without disrupting architectural aesthetics. AI-driven analytics provide useful data on energy usage and building performance through accessible dashboards, facilitating continuous improvements.
● Digital twin modelling: Virtual building simulations allow property managers to test efficiency measures virtually before implementation and predict ROI with greater accuracy.
E-mobility: sustainable property management in motion
Sustainable property management extends beyond building walls to how people move in and around them. E-mobility has a significant impact on a property's overall sustainability profile and can influence tenant decisions and property valuations.
● Efficient Service Fleets: Property managers can implement low-emission vehicle policies to reduce operational costs while eliminating noise and air pollution around the property.
● EV integration that covers more than charging: Properties are increasingly expected to offer energy storage hubs for e-vehicles, optimising grid demand and supporting clean mobility initiatives.
● Encouraging alternative transport: More and more properties are reducing their reliance on private cars by facilitating carpooling, offering secure bicycle storage and prioritising walkability. Some developments are even eliminating parking spaces altogether, reclaiming valuable land for green spaces and community uses.
● Last-mile mobility hubs: Mixed-use developments are integrating bike-sharing stations, e-scooter docks and seamless public transport connections to minimise car dependence and reduce congestion.
The market value of compliance and ESG, or getting your money’s worth
Going green isn’t just about following rules; it’s about leading change. And it pays off. Sustainability in property management has evolved from a regulatory requirement to a key driver of market value and leadership.
● Regulatory compliance: Staying ahead of evolving energy regulations helps avoid costly retrofits and potential penalties and helps properties retain their market value.
● Transparent ESG reporting: Properties with comprehensive ESG reporting increasingly attract institutional investors and high-quality tenants who are willing to sign longer leases.
● Value-adding certifications: BREEAM, LEED, HQE and similar certifications are highly valuable assets. Certified buildings typically command 7-11% higher rental rates and have fewer vacancies compared to non-certified properties.
A partnership: building the future of property management together
We often think of building sustainability as a question of energy efficiency, but true transformation towards sustainability goes further and deeper. The buildings of the future should not only minimise energy consumption but proactively and positively contribute to improving their surroundings.
At Equans, we believe that sustainable property management is the foundation for a lasting, liveable future. In October 2024, we launched Equans Services Bâtiments & Infrastructures, uniting the expertise of Axima Maintenance Technique and Bouygues Energies & Services FM to enhance building performance and accelerate decarbonisation efforts. By leveraging smart technology, implementing energy-efficient solutions and adopting circular economy principles, we help businesses transform their buildings into future-proof properties that not only meet regulatory obligations but also promote sustainability as both an achievable and profitable outcome.
Ready to make your property more sustainable and more valuable?
