John Hatcher

The office map can be more than a drawing. Used properly, it becomes the human-facing operational layer that connects booking, visitors, requests and occupancy says Chris Barcus, founder and CRO, Tactic

Quite rightly, we’ve spent a long time defining what a good smart building specification should contain. That work has been useful. We now have a reasonably mature understanding of what different asset types require, from workplace and residential buildings to logistics, hospitality and mixed-use developments. You can even buy a swimming badge that proves you have a little bit of everything. But now the problem seems to be that the specification is becoming less capable of describing the thing we are trying to create.

Retrofitting listed buildings for greater energy efficiency presents owners with significant challenges, as the historic fabric of the building must neither be damaged nor altered. What is needed are solutions that combine energy efficiency, sustainability, and user comfort, as well as experienced system integrators who can ensure smooth installation.

Modern buildings are placing ever-increasing demands on door communication systems. Property owners, operators, and residents require intelligent solutions that accommodate different user groups, support flexible access methods, and meet high standards for security, connectivity, and integration.

Sean Toohey looks at building access and the issues that can arise.

Dmitry Rumiantcev is product director at Diologi, with over 18 years’ experience in building automation, BMS, controls, software, solution design and project delivery.

Mark Burns, global development, infrastructure & real-asset strategist says that a smart-building value depends less on how much data is collected than on whether decision-makers can trust where it came from, what it describes and how it has been maintained.

ABB and Borussia Dortmund (BVB) have announced a strategic partnership, with ABB becoming BVB’s Energy Management Partner, building on years of continued technological collaboration at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. Together, the two organizations are transforming Germany's largest football stadium into a showcase for smart energy management, resilient electrification and intelligent building automation – developing a scalable approach in one of the world's most complex and operationally demanding venues.

The UK building controls and Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) market has remained in positive territory during Q2 2026, despite a moderation in activity following the particularly strong growth recorded in the first quarter, according to the latest Market Information Report from the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA).

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) is calling on individuals, businesses and organisations across the building controls and BEMS sector to put themselves forward for the BCIA Awards 2027, as the prestigious awards celebrate their 20th year.