Balancing buildings

Future-proofing commercial buildings isn’t just about compliance, it requires a careful balance of comfort, carbon and cost, says Ed Sayce, Sales Director, Artus Air

The UK’s commercial property sector is facing a regulatory reckoning. By 2030, over 80 per cent of commercial buildings could be unlettable under tightened EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) standards from the UK government.

But future-proofing isn’t just about compliance. To safeguard the future of buildings and ensure they remain commercially viable, indoor spaces need to be more than energy efficient. They should also be comfortable, flexible and desirable to tenants. And that means rethinking how we do heating and cooling.

SMART SPACES START WITH COMFORT

The comfort of indoor environments is a top priority for anyone working in the commercial buildings space. Temperature complaints, whether they’re from drafts or uncomfortable heat gains, are among the main issues dealt with by FMs. This is only becoming more challenging as climate-change related extreme weather becomes the new norm.

However, many installed heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are no longer a reliable and viable solution, especially with increasingly scrutinised environmental and legislative standards. Not only can these systems be carbon and energy intensive, but they’re often noisy, bulky, costly to run and difficult to maintain.

The industry needs to shift towards smarter, performance-driven solutions that can help future-proof commercial buildings, with comfort at the core. Some systems can now operate almost silently, with engineers innovating to extract higher performance from lower fan speeds, meaning they use less energy to run, saving on carbon and cost.

Perhaps most excitingly, smart buildings and advanced device connectivity are redefining what is possible in the HVAC industry. Expanded data and sensor capabilities allow measurement beyond temperature to include effects such as CO₂ and VOCs. These growing data sets will allow more refined conditioning of spaces and improved comfort.

MEETING 2030 DEADLINES

Corporate sustainability goals, industry standards and changing EPC legislation are all driving a greater, more urgent focus on energy efficiency upgrades in commercial properties. Building owners and occupants have their own environmental targets to demonstrate progress, while certifications and standards like NABERS, BREEAM and inevitably Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), are raising the sustainability bar for facilities managers and the wider built environment sector.

Air conditioning systems are a key area where significant carbon and energy savings can be made but this is only possible through embracing innovative, scalable technology.

COMPACT IS KEY

As HVAC technology becomes more efficient and flexible, its physical footprint is shrinking. Compact systems and terminal units are bringing tangible advantages for facilities managers working within existing building constraints. With most of the 2050 building stock already constructed, retrofitting is the new frontier. Smaller air conditioning solutions are proving essential in this context, particularly where ceiling heights are fixed or limited. By maximising floor-to-ceiling space, these systems help avoid costly structural alterations, reducing both financial and carbon overheads.

Smaller units also mean fewer raw materials, lowering embodied carbon and better aligning with sustainability targets. But the benefits go beyond environmental impact. Modular, lightweight systems simplify installation, cutting down on labour time, reducing construction risk and minimising disruption. Maintenance is more straightforward too, as individual components can be accessed and replaced without dismantling entire systems.

From an aesthetic standpoint, compact systems integrate more harmoniously into architectural and interior designs. Whether concealed or celebrated as part of an industrial look, they support design intent while enhancing occupant comfort. As we heard from a WeWork facilities officer recently, demand is growing for systems which celebrate the industrial aesthetic while improving flexibility and comfort.

THE STRATEGIC ROLE OF FACILITIES MANAGER

Facilities managers understand the operational realities of buildings, the needs of occupants and the constraints of budgets. By championing smart solutions, they can deliver ROI and solve multiple challenges: environmental, financial and human.

All too often a design philosophy is lost via the process of construction and handover, leaving facilities managers unable to ensure the systems operate as designed. It is this golden thread of information that needs to be followed.

But this requires a shift in mindset. HVAC procurement decisions can no longer be based solely on upfront cost or legacy preferences and left within design specifications gathering dust. Lifecycle performance, user experience and regulatory compliance all need to be considered.

LOOKING AHEAD

The next five years will be critical for the UK’s built environment. As EPC standards tighten and changing weather making it harder to control the indoor environment, the pressure to upgrade will only grow. Facilities managers’ influence on procurement processes can really shape the future of commercial buildings, helping future-proof buildings, protect asset value and enhance occupant wellbeing.

A people-centric approach, focused on flexible cooling and personalised comfort, should be at the heart of any building upgrades. By embracing innovative solutions, facilities managers can lead the way in creating buildings that are sustainable, flexible and truly fit for the future.