Smart buildings: the advent of intelligent and sustainable buildings

Smart buildings: definition and principles of an intelligent building

A smart building is a construction in which advanced technologies and building management systems (BMS) improve occupant comfort while optimising energy consumption and reducing the environmental footprint.

These buildings aim to combine well-being, safety and energy performance through intelligent systems capable of learning and adapting to user habits.

Thanks to home automation and connected sensors, lighting, indoor temperature and air quality are adjusted in real time according to human presence and external conditions.

The data collected continuously enables more precise energy management, reducing costs and environmental impact. But green and sustainable buildings go beyond energy efficiency: they encompass water and waste management and integrate harmoniously into smart cities and commercial buildings.

How do smart buildings contribute to reducing carbon footprints?

Optimising energy consumption and resource management

Smart buildings play a key role in reducing carbon footprints. Their energy management systems optimise consumption, promote the use of renewable energies and integrate with smart grids.

Predictive maintenance and building sustainability

Predictive maintenance keeps building equipment in optimal condition, extends its lifespan and limits costs, thereby supporting the sustainability of buildings.

Covivio has been developing its smart building expertise for several years and designs “smart ready” buildings that offer optimal comfort to occupants.

These buildings offer:

• detailed data analysis for simplified and optimised management,
• IT services via shared services,
• personalised services tailored to the needs of each customer.

Smart buildings and smart cities: an integrated vision

These approaches are part of a broader urban logic: the integration of buildings into smart cities. Connected to smart networks, buildings become producers, storers and redistributors of energy, actively participating in the energy balance of cities.

How do smart buildings impact the occupant experience?

Smart buildings put technology at the service of people. By improving comfort and connectivity, they promote productivity and quality of life.

Covivio offers intuitive solutions that are accessible to all, based on the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) principle. This allows every occupant to easily connect to the building’s infrastructure.

Smart building services are entirely designed, implemented and managed by Covivio in its multi-tenant buildings:

• Reliable and secure mobile and internet connectivity.
• Audiovisual solutions: meeting rooms, business centres, auditoriums, collaborative spaces.
• Witco mobile app: a one-stop shop for all services available on site.

Example: L’Atelier, Covivio’s European headquarters (6,500 m²), illustrates this expertise. A true example of comprehensive smart building architecture, it also serves as a testing ground for refining the model and inventing the solutions of tomorrow.

Workplace and quality of life

Smart buildings are also redefining the workplace. Data enables spaces to be adapted in real time: flex-office, room management, optimisation of common areas. This intelligent management of working environments improves both productivity and daily well-being.

In the residential sector, Covivio also offers smart apartments with remote control of lighting, heating and security via smartphone.

BIM: a performance lever for smart buildings?

BIM for design and construction

BIM (Building Information Modelling) models a building in all its physical and functional dimensions. It facilitates coordination between stakeholders and reduces construction costs and lead times.

BIM for management and facility management

Once the building has been delivered, BIM optimises technical management and facility management throughout its life cycle. This approach maximises energy performance and ensures the sustainability of smart buildings.

What is BOS, the intelligent building management system?

The role of BOS in data centralisation and processing

The BOS (Building Operating System) acts as a true intelligent building management system. It centralises data from the digital model, BMS, home automation, CMMS, occupant applications and IoT sensors.

The benefits of the BOS for occupants and technical management

Its dashboards enable real-time monitoring of occupancy, comfort, energy consumption and maintenance. They facilitate the implementation of automated scenarios, improving the quality of life for occupants and reducing the carbon footprint.

A strategic tool for facility management

For managers, BOS is a facility management asset. By consolidating all data into a single system, it simplifies maintenance, anticipates incidents and ensures optimised equipment management. This centralisation also helps companies achieve their ESG objectives.

Smart buildings and cybersecurity: what are the challenges for data security?

Connectivity, the driving force behind smart buildings, also poses cybersecurity risks. Automated systems and connected objects require robust protection.

The safety of people and property is a major concern. To address this, the strategies put in place include:

• access management and control,
• high-performance firewalls,
• continuous monitoring,
• user training.

Covivio, with the support of Mazars, conducted a comprehensive cybersecurity assessment of its offices in France. This process involved mapping the real estate portfolio to identify risks, evaluate existing measures and define action plans. It resulted in a Security Assurance Plan, consolidating best practices and ensuring enhanced protection.

Certifications and compliance: what criteria define a smart and eco-friendly building?

International certifications (WiredScore, SmartScore)

These labels measure the connectivity, user experience and sustainability of technological infrastructures.

French R2S (Ready2Services) certification

The R2S label assesses connectivity, system interoperability, data security and network architecture. It also emphasises the well-being and performance of buildings.

These certifications set high standards, ensuring that smart connected buildings are designed and operated according to best practices, for the benefit of occupants, owners and the environment.