amBX - The Smart Building Podcast

In this episode, we speak with Glen Schrank, CEO of Phoenix Energy Technologies. 

He is a leader In the Smart Building space & Connected Machines industry; he is an IoT innovator and has over 30 years of leadership experience in technology-based businesses.

We discuss why stakeholders care about ESG and how the current state of the economy and supply chain impact ESG efforts.

We unpick industry challenges and opportunities and gain insight into how technology can help investors, building owners and tenants who are implementing this framework.

Learn more about Glen here - https://www.phoenixet.com/about-glenschrank

#ESG #EnergySaving #SustainableBuildings #SmartBuildings 

In this episode, we speak with Mahmoud Shouman, Head of Building Intelligence at Jaros, Baum and Bolles. In the conversation, we discuss the evolution of MEP and the smart building industry. We get answers to the following extremely important questions…

Is a single pane of glass any more than a trendy buzzword?

Are people actually using digital twins?

Are wellbeing strategies being implemented, or are rising costs forcing building owners to scrap best practices?

Is sustainability truly being prioritised?

Are building specifications keeping up with the times? Or are they hindering the industry's progression?

#BuildingIntelligence #SmartBuildings #MEP 

In this episode, we speak with Abdel Jabbar Rharssi, who is a Facility & Sustainability Manager, BREEAM Assessor, and an energy and smart building compliance expert. He works for a hotel group based in Belgium, and in this episode, we discuss different building challenges from a facility manager's perspective, including sustainability, new technology, emergency lighting, restricted budgets and occupant wellbeing.

This is a great episode as we hear first-hand the challenges and the positive effects technology and legislation can have on the people actually managing and running buildings.

If you've got any questions for Abdel, you can find him on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdel-jabbar-rharssi-b5a65041/

#FacilityManagement #SmartBuildings #SustainableBuildings 

In this episode, we speak with Reinhard Mayr, the Quality Manager at Net X Automation. We discuss how an automated building can be achieved and why it is important. We look at the benefits from an environmental and social perspective and how it impacts the management of the buildings and the people using the space. 

Learn more in this episode...

#SmartBuildings #AutomatedBuildings #SmartTech #SmartLighting 

In this episode, I speak with Mark Willmott, the sales director at TheisCraft. He has a deep understanding of lighting and lighting controls, as well as how those feed into building projects and specifications. We talk about the recent updates to part L of the building regulations. We discuss why this is a positive change, the impact on the industry, challenges that will be encountered and the importance of not only complying with regulations but also future-proofing solutions to save costs further down the line.

We question whether the changes to part L go far enough. Whether building specs are keeping up. And Whether stakeholders can actually comply.

#BuildingRegulations #LightingControls #EnergyEfficiency #SustainableBuildings 

In this episode, we speak with Stephan den Boer, the Business Development Manager at Bever Innovations. We discuss vertical farming and the technology required to grow crops successfully in this artificial environment. We review the opportunities and challenges and discuss whether vertical farms are sustainable or whether high energy consumption is a deterrent.

Learn more in this episode...

#VerticalFarms #SmartLighting #CEA #LED #SmartTechnology 

In this episode, we speak with Paul Reid who is the Business Development Manager at Onnec (formerly ExcelRedstone). Onnec is a global leader in connected spaces, it is a Master System Integrator (MSI) helping bridge the gaps in building infrastructure. 

We discuss Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and how the increasingly mandated Task force on climate-related financial disclosures (TCFD) has impacted the industry. We review new problems that didn’t previously exist but are now coming to the fore as building owners attempt to access their building data to generate an accurate picture of current performance and also plan for improvements.

Currently, only one in five commercial buildings operate with a basic Building Management System, despite Europe being the third-largest energy consumer in the world. Policy is increasingly forcing positive environmental change (however, many would argue it has not happened fast enough) but, how can we forge a pathway for business owners to follow and act on new policy and legislation?

Find out in this episode!  

#ESG #BuildingData #SmartBuildings #SustainableBuildings #IntelligentBuildings 

We have some great guests in this series, including Paul Reid from Onnec, Mark Willmott from Theiscraft, Mahmoud Shouman from JB&B, Reinhard Mayr from Net X Automation, Abdel Jabbar Rharssi from The Hotel Brussels and Stephan den Boer from Bever Innovations.

All episodes will be released at 8am on Tuesday mornings for the next 5-6 weeks!

If you enjoy the episodes, please share using the hashtag #amBXTheSmartBuildingPod

If you'd like to feature in a future episode, please email info@ambx.com.

#amBXTheSmartBuildingPod

In this episode, I'm speaking with Jon Couch, who is the Director of Product at amBX. Jon is an experienced Product and Engineering professional with an extensive smart technology and product development background. He has worked for many well-known organisations, including Aurora, enModus and Microlights.

We discuss the value of lighting control and why it is often missing from smart building platforms. As well as:

🔹Integration 

🔹BMS 

🔹ESG 

🔹Digital Twins 

🔹Indoor Farming 

🔹Emergency Lighting

#amBXSmartBuildingPod #SmartBuildings #SmartLighting #LightingControl #ESG #DigitalTwins 

In this episode, I'm speaking with Joe Aamidor who is a product and market strategy consultant and also an expert in building management, IoT, facilities, energy and smart buildings in general. He used to work for Johnson Controls and has a rich understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist in the industry today. 

We discuss the barriers that exist when implementing smart building technology and why it is difficult to scale this tech within buildings, portfolios and cities. We also touch on data tagging standards, integration, data as a service and essential vs "nice to have" technology.  

You can connect with Joe here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaamidor/

#amBXTheSmartBuildingPod #SmartBuildings #SmartTech #IoT

Sean Muller is a New Zealand-based data expert, he is the Practice Lead at Servian and works with all kinds of emerging technology. 

In this episode, we discuss AI and ML in relation to smart buildings, we cover autonomous buildings, industry adoption, digital twins, and the risks/challenges/opportunities with this technology as well as what the future of the industry looks like. 

You can connect with Sean here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgmuller/

#amBXTheSmartBuildingPod #SmartBuildings #SmartTech #AI #ML

In today's episode, we speak with Andy Saull, who works for CBRE; he is a PropTech expert and has conducted lots of research within the industry. He speaks with clients on a daily basis about all sorts of topics, challenges and opportunities, but today we are going to be discussing environmental and social sustainability with him. Can a net-zero strategy and a wellbeing strategy ever complement one another, or are they conflicting? Find out the answer to that question and the ones below in today's episode

🔵 What are the top trends within the PropTech space?

🔵 What incentives exist to upgrade buildings and make them more environmentally friendly? 

🔵 How do we determine the ROI of energy-efficient upgrades?

🔵 How do building owners measure the success of a digital building?

🔵 How can smart tech help, particularly with the lesser discussed SG elements of ESG?

🔵 Is wellbeing a fad, or is it set to stay?

🔵 Do you see a clear relationship between a healthy building that priorities occupant wellbeing and employee satisfaction, retention and productivity?

Connect with Andy Saul here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andysaull/ 

#amBXSmartBuildingPod #PropTech #SmartBuildings #SocialSustainability #EnvironmentalSustainability #SmartTechnology 

John Bohlmann is the founder and CEO of HawkenAQ. Its mission is to make healthy buildings achievable and affordable for business owners anywhere in the world. They combine real-time monitoring and the latest health standards to give every visitor or occupant confidence in the building’s air quality. In this episode, we discuss why air quality is so important, how technology can help to create better environments and how it can communicate to guests and staff how healthy their environment really is.

Find out more about HawkenAQ - https://www.hawkenaq.com/

#amBXTheSmartBuildingPod #SmartBuildings #AirQuality #IoT

Welcome back, listeners! 

We have some great guests lined up for this series, including John Bohlmann (HawkenAQ), Andy Saull (CBRE), Joe Aamidor (Aamidor Consulting) and Sean Muller (Servian).

All episodes will be released at 8am on Tuesday mornings for the next 5 weeks.

If you enjoy the episodes, please share them using the hashtag #amBXTheSmartBuildingPod

If you'd like to feature in a future episode, please email info@ambx.com. 

In this episode, I speak with Stephen Jackson, Business Manager for the UK and Ireland at Casambi. Stephen has worked within the lighting industry for over 28 years; he is extremely well respected and knowledgeable. Previously Stephen worked for Schneider Electric and Zumtobel. He has been at Casambi since 2016 and is very passionate about the power of wireless control and how it can enable intuitive, energy-efficient experiences for lighting. 

#amBXSmartBuildingPod #SmartLighting #SmartBuildings #SmartTechnology 

In this episode, I speak with our CEO, Phil Cross and Director of Product, Jon Couch. We discuss our predictions for the top industry trends in 2022. We set out these predictions at the start of the year, but now that we’re over a month in, we thought it would be useful to elaborate and share more detail about each of the trends and explore the opportunities and challenges as a result. 

#amBXSmartBuildingPod #SmartBuildingTrends #SmartBuildings

In this episode, I speak with Richard Morris, who is the Sales and Marketing Director at Technologywithin; he’s a proptech expert and a thought leader when it comes to connectivity within buildings. We discuss the value of connectivity within commercial buildings, the importance of the convergence between IT and OT systems, how commercial real estate has evolved, the challenges faced by landlords and owners and how certification is helping to improve performance and profit.

#IT #IoT #PropTech #Connectivity #SmartBuildings #SmartTechnology 

In this episode, I speak with Raj Paul who is the CEO of Inferrix. Raj has worked within the smart building technology space for a number of years with a strong focus on creating a sustainable future for commercial real estate. We discuss how technology can positively impact the race to net zero, the barriers to adoption, the importance of including smaller buildings in strategies (94% of all commercial buildings are less than 50K sq. ft.) and how we can ensure buildings are future-proofed.

#amBXSmartBuildingPod #SmartBuildings #SmartTechnology #SustainableBuildings #RealEstate #PropTech

In this episode, I speak with Chris Irwin, who is the VP of Sales and Marketing at J2 Innovations (part of the Siemens Group). We discuss smart technology, environmental challenges related to the industry and creating simplistic solutions that address occupant needs. We get Chris’s vision for the future and what a modern view of building management systems (BMS) look like, as well as the shortcomings of legacy BMS.

#amBXSmartBuildingPod #BMS #BuildingControl #BuildingAutomation #SmartBuildings #SmartTechnology 

Welcome back to series 5 of amBX - The Smart Building Podcast!

We have some great guests appearing on the coming episodes, including:

🔹Chris Irwin - J2 Innovations A Modern View of BMS

🔹Raj Paul - Inferrix - A Sustainable Future for Commercial Buildings 

🔹Richard Morris - Technologywithin - The Value of Connectivity 

🔹Stephen Jackson - Casambi - Wireless Emergency Lighting and The Evolution of the Industry 

🔹Phil Cross and Jon Couch - amBX - Our Top Industry Predictions for 2022 

#amBXSmartBuildingPod 

There are various barriers and opportunities that exist within the Smart Building industry. In this final episode of the series, I summarise some of the core points hindering and accelerating the market today. 

Challenges

🔹Cybersecurity

🔹Personal Data

🔹Legacy Construction and Retrofit Process

🔹Interoperability

Opportunities 

🔹Partnership and Collaboration

🔹Health and Wellbeing

🔹Sustainability

#amBXSmartBuildingPod #SmartBuildings #SmartTech #SmartBuildingTrends 

This episode is with our CTO, David Eves. He recently featured on the Metrikus podcast discussing how lighting can create the perfect working environment. We have posted the highlights of this conversation here; you can also watch the full video interview on the Metrikus YouTube channel 👉 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbLMhZ4JwyRndxc6no44rQQ

#amBXSmartBuildingPod #SmartLighting #CircadianLighting #SmartBuildings 

This episode is with amBX smart building partner, Molex. I speak with Cory Souders who is the Business Development Manager at Molex Connected Enterprises – we discuss cost-saving vs user experience, the importance of focusing on occupant wellbeing, smart lighting on IT and IP infrastructure and we get Cory’s opinion on how he sees the market accelerating.

Learn more about Molex's light sanitation solution here 👉 https://www.molexces.com/solutions-overview/smart-buildings/light-sanitization/

#amBXSmartBuildingPod #SmartBuildings #SmartLighting #PoELighting #SanitationLighting 

Welcome back to series 4 of amBX - The Smart Building Podcasat! 

We have some great guest speakers involved in this series, covering really important topics and providing valuable insight. 

We hope you continue to enjoy listening; remember to like, follow, subscribe and share using #amBXSmartBuildingPod 

In this episode, the host of the podcast Lyndsay Close discusses the top smart building tech trends. As well as opportunities, challenges and insights gathered through qualitative engagement with a number of smart building key stakeholders such as industry analysts, consultants and business owners.

The top trends discussed are:

1 - Occupant Wellbeing

2 - Smart Energy Management

3 - Predictive Maintenance

4 - Flexible Working

5 - Partnership and Collaboration

#amBXSmartBuildingPodcast #SmartBuildings #SmartBuildingTrends #TechTrends #IoT #SmartTechnology #SmartLighting #SmartEnergyManageement #SmartLighting #SmartSensors #PredictiveMaintenance 

In this episode, I speak with Erik Fossum, the Founder of Disruptive Technologies. They have created the worlds smallest, wireless sensors which can be used in any building to gain insights, improving the operation and energy efficiency. We discuss predictive maintenance, retrofit vs. new builds, collaborations, IoT trends, flexible workplaces and much more. 

#amBXSmartBuildingPod #SmartBuildings #SmartCities #SmartTechnology #IoT #Sustainability #Wellbeing #Sensors #DigitalBuildings #SustainableBuildings 

In this episode, I speak to Tom McClellan, Country Director for UK & Ireland at WiredScore. 

WiredScore set the global standard for technology in the built world. The WiredScore certification is all about digital connectivity and infrastructure. SmartScore has recently been added; this is all about the wider smart building certification; it aims to improve and communicate the user functionality and technological foundations of buildings.

We discuss:

👉 The benefits of being certified 

👉 What the certification standards mean

👉 How it works and who completes the process 

👉 Example projects that demonstrate what a truly smart building is 

👉 Tom's opinion of the market challenges and opportunities 

#amBXSmartBuildingPod #SmartBuildings #SmartCity #DigitalTwins #SmartTechnology #IoT #Sustainability #Wellbeing 

In this episode, I speak with Dogu Taskiran about digital twins and how they make a building and a city truly smart. Dogu is a software developer, a smart city thought leader and the CEO of a virtual reality and augmented reality studio, Stambol Studios. However, Stambol doesn’t just focus on what people might traditionally associate VR and AR with; they also work within the real estate and construction industry, creating virtual models that allow key stakeholders to view the building before it's even built. 

The key questions answered are:

What is the value of a Digital Twin?

How does a Digital Twin link into Construction 4.0?

What are the benefits for Facility Managers and the wider supply chain?

Is there any resistance to fully digitised cities?

What is your vision of the future city?

#amBXSmartBuildingPod #SmartBuildings #SmartCity #DigitalTwins #SmartTechnology #IoT #AI #ML #Construction4.0 #AugmentedAnalytics

In this episode, I speak to Blake Miller, the Founder of Homebase - a hubless smart apartment solution that connects buildings with future-ready access control, internet and property management. We discuss the importance of prioritising the user experience, ensuring that smart technology enhances occupants lives, allowing them to excel in tasks. We talk about the different users of technology such as Homebase, the benefits, what is possible now and in the future and what barriers exist.  

#amBXSmartBuildingPod #SmartBuildings #SmartCities #SmartTechnology #UserExperience 

Welcome back to series 3 of amBX - The Smart Building Podcast! 

It's great to be back; we have some amazing guest speakers lined up for you. We will be covering lots of interesting topics, including digital twins, smart cities, innovative sensor technology, the importance of considering and reviewing the user experience, certified smart buildings, the process of becoming certified, and lots more. 

The first episode in this series will be live on the 17th of August.

We hope you continue to enjoy listening; remember to like, follow, subscribe and share using #amBXSmartBuildingPod 

In this episode, I speak to Alexandra Moxin about the role of AI in Smart Buildings. We discuss Alexandra's background in emerging technology and her experience working for the likes of Microsoft in product marketing, where she grew engagement in Azure, DevOps and OSS developer communities and was Canadian Ambassador for Microsoft’s Azure Tech Communities. Currently, Alexandra is working as Vice President of Product at Adaptech Group.

Key questions in the discussion:

👉 What is your definition of AI?

👉 Can a building be smart without AI integration? 

👉 How important is building automation going to be going forward?

👉 How can AI make the management of a building easier?

👉 How can data and sophisticated intelligence identify opportunities such as energy-saving?

In this episode, I interview Angela Mazzi, an Architect and Researcher in Wellness and Design. We discuss the importance of designing for occupant health and wellbeing and how smart technology can aid with this. Angela's speciality is salutogenic (health generating) space, she talks about homeostasis (stable health) and how it is impacted by the stress response which is the precursor to all diseases.

Key highlights:

👉We discuss how commercial spaces can be designed with wellness in mind

👉What technology can be used to improve this experience 

👉What an example of a good wellness target is

👉What the biggest barriers are for Designers and Architects when it comes to smart buildings

#amBXSmartBuildingPod #SmartBuildings #SmartTechnology #HealthAndWellbeing #WellnessDesign

In this episode, I speak to James Bellingham who is responsible for the Digital Building portfolio in the UK, covering IoT and Smart Workplace solutions at Siemens. We discuss how workplaces have evolved, what technology is now commonplace and how IoT is beginning to transform both old and new buildings turning them into smart spaces that are optimised for the occupants within them. 

Key highlights:

👉 Buildings are becoming living assets that automatically adapt to our needs

👉 Touchless technology is growing, our phone can be used to access buildings, call lifts, unlock doors etc. to minimise touchpoints

👉 Common mistakes hindering smart building adoption 

👉 Privacy and security concerns

#amBXSmartBuildingPod #SmartBuildings #SmartTech #DigtalBuildings #SmartWorkplaces 

In this episode, I am speaking to Tom Erskine about PoE technology and the power it has to make a building truly smart. Tom works for Scenariio, a leading specialist in providing smart technology that transforms the performance of buildings.

We discuss:

👉 What PoE is and the potential it holds

👉 How PoE can connect all of the different elements within a building

👉 How PoE has changed over the years

👉 Benefits of PoE over an alternative such as Bluetooth mesh

#amBXSmartBuildingPod #PoE #SmartBuildings #SmartTechnology 

In this episode, I speak to Brigitte Small about sanitisation technology. UV-C lighting has gained a lot of press recently, and adoption has grown as we look to disinfect shared spaces and return to normal post-Covid life. Brigitte is CEO of ZeroVir, a smart, connected UVC solutions company that enable businesses to track their sanitisation processes.

We discuss:

👉 What UV-C is

👉 What the advantages and disadvantages are 

👉 Whether it is a cost-effective solution for small businesses 

👉 The importance of using smart tech such as sensors within the solution 

👉 Integration with other smart technology in a building

#amBXSmartBuildingPod #SmartLighting #SmartBuildings #IoT #SmartTechnology #UVC

Welcome back to series 2 of 'amBX - The Smart Building Podcast'! We're delighted to be back, filling your ears with all things smart buildings. In this series, we have some great guests lined up. We will be discussing some very topical, important subjects, including sanitisation technology, UV-C lighting, IoT, touchless technology, smart security, evolving workplaces, PoE technology and lots more!

We hope you continue to enjoy listening. Please keep getting in touch; telling us your thoughts and questions, and remember to like, follow, subscribe and share using #amBXSmartBuildingPod

In this episode, I speak to Peter Kerr (Director at Atelier Ten) about the pro's and con's of smart care homes, with a particular focus on circadian lighting. We discuss how smart technology can improve the standard of care, improve health and wellbeing as well as energy efficiency. We also discuss whether a fully connected, futuristic care home could be a step too far and not be welcomed by the currently elderly, but how that could change in 60 years time when Millenial's get to an age where they may need to go into a care home. We also discuss design considerations, return on investment and the importance of retaining some independence, e.g. being able to turn the light on yourself as opposed to it all being sensor-based. 

#amBXSmartBuildingPod

A smart building is all about optimising efficiencies, improving energy efficiency, resource utilisation, connectivity, and wellbeing.

This episode focuses on the wellbeing aspect and in particular, sleep.

We talk to Michael Hildebrandt who is a Sleep Coach about how individuals and organisations can prioritise sleep for improved wellbeing, health and productivity.

The brain uses daylight to reset our daily clock every day, however...

🔹 What impact does spending most of our time indoors have?

🔹 How have modern-day pressures affected our sleep?

🔹 What can organizations do to prioritise their employees sleep/wake cycle within a smart building?

🔹 Why should we prioritise sleep?

🔹 What technology is available to improve our quality of sleep?

#amBXSmartBuildingPod 

In this episode, we spoke to Luke Wilson from Triangle about the power of data analytics in smart buildings!

We discuss:

✅ The importance of data in an IoT landscape

✅ How COVID has accelerated the need for data insights

✅ The various stages of data analytics

✅ Common mistakes and easy fixes

✅ How data insights can help reduce energy wastage

#amBXSmartBuildingPod

We interviewed Abby Watts, Business Development Representative at bimstore - A provider of high-quality manufacturer BIM content for the specification market.

Abby has worked within the Construction market for 5 years. We discussed how BIM technology is the foundation of a smart building. We also discussed:
👉Her experience being a woman in a male-dominated industry
👉The role of BIM technology, and the future of smart buildings design.
👉The need for smart solutions
👉The need for net-zero carbon buildings

We interviewed Roger Woodward, Smart Building Consultant, to get his take on the question ‘What is the Role of Smart Lighting within Commercial Buildings?’.

Roger has been engaged in the building, automation, and controls industry for many years in the UK, US, and APAC; he is now working with companies and start-up’s offering consultancy within this market. Previously, he was also GM and MD of Tridium, which provides an integrated solution for buildings.

Key highlights:
👉 Potential of data within a building - e.g. Preventative Maintenance

👉 Renewed focus on wellbeing

👉 IoT and touchless technology

👉 The future of workplaces

👉 How building occupants needs have changed

👉 The components that make up a smart building

A quick Hello from Lyndsay, an introduction to the podcast series and the areas it aims to explore.