Smart building and data analytics pilot to steer SEGRO and its customers towards a brighter future
SEGRO has launched an innovative programme of smart building pilots at 20 of its developments to explore the practicalities and benefits of a range of technologies which the company believes can improve the operational and environmental performance of its buildings.
The smart technology is being installed in a representative range of buildings – small and large; light industrial and big box; vacant and occupied – in the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Poland. The pilot programme involves close collaboration with SEGRO’s customers – around 12 are expected to be involved in the full programme, with some engaged across multiple developments.
The first insights are expected mid-year, once sufficient data has been analysed and customer reviews completed, with detailed findings available at the end of 2020.
James Power, Director of Digital and Technology, SEGRO said:
“Smart building technology has the potential to deliver significant benefits for our customers. If sensors can tell them what is going on within and around the building, they can take quick and effective decisions to respond - leading to lower costs, lower energy use, increased efficiency, and a better working environment for employees in the building.
“Industrial buildings present several unique challenges for smart technology, which is why it’s still in its infancy in the industrial sector. However, we are convinced that these challenges are worth overcoming, and this pilot programme is designed to help us fully understand both the challenges and the benefits. Our customers have responded very positively so far, and we look forward to working closely with them on this programme.
“We are also building up our data and analytics capabilities to support decision making and operations across the group. Interpreting the data produced by smart buildings is one of our focus areas.”
The smart building pilot programme is one of the first initiatives delivered through SEGRO’s new Strategy, Investment and Innovation function which was announced in early February 2020. Amongst other responsibilities, the new function will undertake horizon scanning as well as the development, prioritisation and implementation of the company’s long-term digital and technology-related strategies.
2020 marks SEGROs 100th anniversary. As the company reflects on its past achievements, the smart building pilot programme represents how the company continues to innovate and adapt to the ever-changing business and societal environments to deliver a successful and sustainable long-term business.
Notes to editors:
Eight sites are live, a further seven are anticipated to go live before the end of March, and a further five are subject to the final details being agreed with customers.
The locations included in the pilot programme are:
UK
Bracknell
Enfield
East Midlands Gateway
Greenford
Rainham
Rugby
Slough
FRANCE
Marly
St Witz
Lyon
GERMANY
Düsseldorf
Leipzig
ITALY
Bologna
Milan
Rome
POLAND
Poznań
Note. For customer confidentiality reasons not all the developments covered by the programme are listed above.
ABOUT SEGRO
SEGRO is a UK Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), and a leading owner, manager and developer of modern warehouses and light industrial property. It owns or manages 8 million square metres of space (86 million square feet) valued at £12.2 billion serving customers from a wide range of industry sectors. Its properties are located in and around major cities and at key transportation hubs in the UK and in eight other European countries.
For 100 years SEGRO has been creating the space that enables extraordinary things to happen. From modern big box warehouses, used primarily for regional, national and international distribution hubs, to urban warehousing located close to major population centres and business districts, it provides high-quality assets that allow its customers to thrive.