Universities are significant land holders across the UK with the estate totalling around 246,000,000 sq ft. However, given the age, condition, use and funding challenges, many buildings are not fit for purpose and cause real issues for institutions in achieving their net zero carbon targets.
While student numbers have risen above levels seen during the Covid-19 pandemic and students are generally returning to the physical campus (particularly because of the UKVI's recent guidance limiting remote learning to a maximum of 20%) many are still commuting or opting for hybrid or flexible learning and universities are grappling with what the current and future campus needs to look like.
The sector has had a persistent challenge with low utilisation. With increased scrutiny on budgets, universities are under pressure to cuts costs while ensuring their estate is attractive, welcoming, inclusive and fit for the future.
Data and rapidly evolving technology are helping the sector with its longstanding utilisation challenge. An increasing ability to easily, quickly and simply access and interpret the use of space and facilities (as well as their sustainability impact) is of increasing value to HE estates (and finance) directors. An historic lack of insight and challenges around timetabling, have often traditionally had a negative financial and environmental impact on the estate, for example having to keep buildings open during periods when they could be temporarily closed or only utilised during certain peak times.
We’re increasingly seeing HE clients using data to drive and develop their estates strategies. Examples of some smart campus technology include using sensors to monitor room occupancy or online systems to ascertain movement around buildings and campuses. However, investing in this infrastructure across vast estates requires a significant financial investment at a time when university budgets are being squeezed and under continued pressure.
If you do decide to deploy technologies of this nature, it is important to have an eye on potential privacy issues. What data is this technology collecting? Is any of this data personal data? And how does this technology interact with existing campus monitoring measures such as CCTV? Seek advice if in any doubt about compliance with UK data protection laws (which are currently in a state of flux due to the phased implementation of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025).
For some, there may be more cost-effective alternatives such as zoning, phasing in the introduction of smart technology incrementally, and creating forums for staff and students to join to voice their ideas around placemaking, ownership, education delivery and vision for a campus of the future which delivers in key areas.
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