An Initiative by Concert Technologies
How Building Engineers Will Need to Evolve and Embrace a Hybrid Skill Set in the Tech-Driven Future of Commercial Real Estate
As commercial real estate undergoes a significant transformation, fueled by the rapid advancement of smart building technologies, the question arises: will building engineers need to adopt a hybrid skill set to remain competitive?
Property owners and managers are increasingly prioritizing efficiency, sustainability, and tenant satisfaction, signaling that traditional building engineer roles must evolve.
Smart building technologies integrate IoT devices, automation systems, and advanced data analytics to optimize performance, enabling real-time monitoring, energy management, predictive maintenance, and enhanced occupant experiences. As the demand for operational efficiency grows, building engineers have to become more tech-savvy, incorporating IT skills such as building automation, data analysis, and cybersecurity into their roles. This shift raises concerns about whether current engineers can adapt quickly enough to a rapidly changing landscape and whether this transition will redefine the profession.
The Skills Gap: Traditional vs. Technology Building Engineers
Traditionally, building engineers focused on maintaining mechanical and structural systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. However, the rise of smart technology requires an expanded skill set that includes understanding IoT sensors, cloud computing, and data connectivity as smart buildings rely heavily on interconnected systems to interpret this data.
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Technical Proficiency: How equipped are current engineers to manage smart systems such as building management systems (BMS) and energy management systems (EMS)? This requires a deeper understanding of software interfaces, data analytics, and cybersecurity. The integration of smart building technologies requires engineers to have a basic understanding of IT networking and data management. They must also be educated on sensors, cloud technologies, APIs, and connectivity to effectively manage and optimize building systems.
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Data Analysis: With data from sensors and systems playing a pivotal role in building operations, can building engineers effectively interpret this information to optimize performance and predict maintenance needs? This requires strong analytical skills and the ability to leverage data insights for informed decision-making. Predictive maintenance, in particular has a significant impact on maintenance tasks by continuously monitoring equipment performance, allowing engineers to anticipate and address issues before they lead to failures. As a result, it reduces unplanned downtime and maintenance costs.
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Interdisciplinary Knowledge: As collaboration with IT professionals, architects, and energy consultants becomes the standard, can building engineers develop the communication skills necessary to thrive in this new environment and work across many disciplines to ensure seamless integration of technology and building systems?
Transitioning Skills: Training and Development
To address the skills gap created by the rise of smart building technologies, ownership groups need to invest in training programs for building engineers. These types of initiatives help prepare engineers to meet the demands of modern building management while also developing the confidence and competence necessary to navigate smart building management effectively.
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Certification Courses: Programs like the Smart Building Certification from ASHRAE or courses offered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) can help building engineers navigate the evolving landscape of technology advancements.
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Workshops and Seminars: Regular development initiatives on emerging technologies and data analytics, alongside training as new systems are implemented, will help keep engineers informed about industry trends.
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On-the-Job Training: Real-world experience is fundamental for developing the confidence and competence needed to embrace new systems. Ownership groups need to create structured on-the-job training programs that allow engineers to apply their skills in practical scenarios, ensuring they are well-prepared to handle the complexities of smart building management and thrive in their new roles.
The Role of Building Engineers in Smart Buildings
As technology adoption advances, the role of building engineers is set to evolve significantly. Engineers will have a pivotal role in the implementation and maintenance of smart systems in buildings, overseeing their installation and ensuring interoperability with existing infrastructure. They will be responsible for assessing the performance of these technologies and performing necessary upgrades to maintain optimal functionality. Additionally, engineers can utilize data analytics to effectively implement strategies for cost reduction and help minimize operational expenditures, enhancing overall building efficiency.
While this transition presents opportunities, it also poses challenges. Many building engineers might initially resist adopting new technologies out of fear of job displacement or a lack of confidence in their tech skills. The shift from traditional building engineers to technology-savvy professionals is not merely a trend but an inevitable evolution in commercial real estate. Organizations that foster a culture of continuous learning can alleviate concerns and encourage adaptability among engineers, ensuring they remain competitive and thrive in this market. As smart buildings become the norm, the future of building management is undeniably rooted in technology, and the pace of this transition will shape the profession for years to come. According to Future Business Insights, the global smart building market, valued at USD 96.96 billion in 2023, is projected to grow to USD 568.02 billion by 2032. This substantial growth highlights the impact that smart technology will have across the building management industry. Are you ready for the change?
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Tech Ready Buildings Solution
The Tech Ready Buildings solution can be an asset to building engineers as they navigate the evolving demands of smart building technologies. Our program emerged as the culmination of years of research and development from the lessons learned by Concert Technologies as we worked alongside building ownership groups and management teams who were faced with the challenge of understanding how to implement, support, and plan their modern smart building technology solutions. Tech Ready Buildings works in tandem with in-house engineers, offering support through comprehensive building audits that ensure optimal connectivity and highlight areas for improvement. The solution simplifies the engineering workload by providing easy portal access to infrastructure documentation, while also maintaining, securing, and documenting cabling, equipment, and services within common areas. With these resources, building engineers can focus on optimizing building performance without getting bogged down in the intricacies of system integration, ensuring they stay ahead in a rapidly advancing industry.