Transforming Campus Space Management with IoT Sensors, Occupancy Analytics and Digital Twins 

Background

Cardiff Metropolitan University, situated in Cardiff, Wales, is home to approximately 12,500 students across its Cyncoed and Llandaff campuses. The university has garnered recognition for its dedication to environmental sustainability and efforts towards achieving net zero carbon emissions.

Challenge

Facing growing demand for teaching and social spaces, Cardiff Met initially considered a multi-million-pound construction masterplan. However, new buildings presented significant financial risks and potential environmental impacts. The university sought a sustainable solution that would meet the needs of staff and students whilst aligning with its environmental commitments.

Solution

SmartViz implemented its comprehensive campus analytics and space management solution, featuring:

1. IoT sensors

2. Occupancy analytics

3. Air quality monitoring

4. Energy monitoring

These technologies created a digital twin of the campus, providing real-time data and insights into actual space usage and environmental conditions. This approach allowed the university to optimise space management needs based on concrete data rather than perceived shortages.

Impact

The implementation of SmartViz's solution yielded substantial benefits across multiple areas:

1. Space Optimisation

• £5.1 million saved in capital costs

• £102,000 annual reduction in operational costs

2. Environmental Sustainability

• £40,000 annual energy cost savings

• 483 tonnes of embodied CO2 emissions avoided

• 66 tonnes annual reduction in CO2 emissions

• Identified potential for an additional 25% reduction in energy and water usage across campus

3. Wellbeing

• Enhanced learning environment through improved air quality and temperature control

• Identification and optimisation of spaces with suboptimal CO2 levels and temperature

4. Revenue Generation

• Integrated insights from student dwell times, retail data, and campus amenities

• Insights to boost student retention, retail revenue, and overall campus engagement

Key Benefits

1. Data-Driven Decision Making: SmartViz's insights enabled university leaders to make informed choices about space utilisation, avoiding unnecessary construction.

2. Improved Space Efficiency: Understanding usage patterns allowed for strategic reconfiguration of existing spaces, enhancing functionality without new buildings.

3. £5.1 Cost Savings: By avoiding new construction, the university saved £5.1 million, which was redirected towards improving existing facilities.

4. Environmental Impact: The solution revealed potential for over 25% reduction in energy and water usage, supporting the university's net zero emissions goals.

5. Behavioural Insights: SmartViz uncovered hidden patterns in space utilisation, fostering open discussions on campus planning.

6. Increased Engagement: The data-driven approach encouraged input from staff and students, leading to a more collaborative and student-centred planning process.

The implementation of SmartViz's space management solution at Cardiff Metropolitan University demonstrates the power of data-driven decision-making in higher education. By leveraging IoT sensors, occupancy analytics, and digital twin technology, the university achieved significant cost savings, improved sustainability, and enhanced the overall campus experience for students and staff alike.

For more information on how SmartViz can help optimise your estate using IoT sensors, building analytics, and digital twins, please contact our team to arrange a demonstration.