Gone are the days of siloed, disconnected building management. The modern workplace is a very different environment to what it once was, and that shift is intentional. The UK Government, along with a growing number of organisations, is investing in smart buildings and campuses to meet rising demands for security, efficiency, user experience, and sustainability.
This isn’t just local news, this is a global trend. The smart infrastructure market was valued at USD 485.2 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1.5 trillion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.3%.
Smart buildings and campuses are now being used strategically. Data is constantly being captured through a wide range of tools, from cameras and sensors to connected devices. These technologies offer a clearer picture of how people interact with physical spaces.
At its core, this is about using technology to understand and improve how buildings are used. From workflow and people movement to user profiles and resource usage, anything connected to a network that can collect data is now an opportunity for insight.
Recording these insights help organisations enhance user experience, manage resources more effectively, and respond to real-time needs. For some, this shift is not just beneficial. It’s business critical.
Using smart technology where security matters most
Smart environments are particularly valuable in high-security settings like police stations, prisons, military bases, and universities. These institutions often face tight budgets, yet they require strict oversight, efficient use of space, and support for occupant wellbeing, all of which play a role in reaching net zero goals. This is where smart technology makes a meaningful difference.
In police stations, smart technology is being trialled to support detainee welfare through continuous, non-intrusive monitoring. Sensors can now detect multiple events, including changes in heart rate, breathing patterns, air quality, and signs of physical distress. The focus is on reducing risk in custody suites, where incidents such as self-harm or substance ingestion remain critical concerns. By using real-time data and AI to flag unusual behaviour, these systems help staff intervene earlier and improve care – creating a safer, more responsive custody environment.
Military bases’ core focus is maximising the well-being of personnel – naval officers, aircrew and soldiers. Smart technology is utilised to improve their non-combative type of scenario to reduce risk and enhance efficiency. The intention is to do more with technology, so you don’t have to use human resources for gate duty and guard duty. For example, the use of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) detection and artificial intelligence can detect a potential security breach entering the base, thus creating safer environments.
Smart campuses such as Universities also face similar challenges to the above but more for the utilisation of health, wellbeing, footfall and the impact on capacity of its user communities. Having control of your environment and enabling flexible usage based upon known variables will greatly assist in understanding the building fabric’s impact on carbon reduction, a key factor in developing and meeting sustainability targets. Technologies such as sensors, CCTV aligned with AI driven data analytics can help shape the best use of assets, maximising their use, identifying areas of little use/footfall and leveraging BMS/HVAC, etc to be suitably programmed to meet those needs.
Making every resource count
Across sectors, the push for smart infrastructure is driven by a combination of cost control, sustainability, and the need to make best use limited people resources.
Many organisations are looking to reduce operational expenses (OpEx) by reducing site visits. With smart technology, instead of multiple site visits, the use of artificial intelligence and video analytics allows for a one-time inspection that can be shared amongst others and reviewed remotely, cutting carbon emissions and costs at the same time.
Smart infrastructure is valued for its operational efficiency – doing more with less – especially in the telecoms industry, where there is a talent shortage. With over 60% of professionals now over 50 and many nearing retirement, the sector faces an urgent skills gap that smart solutions are addressing.
Smart CCTV systems, for instance, now feature an AI overlay that automatically recognises when something in the field of view has changed, flagging issues proactively before they become problems. Because the technology is operational 24/7, the approach allows for scheduling in advance, saving money and reducing human intervention.
Similarly, preventative maintenance is another way of reducing human intervention as AI-powered systems can monitor devices continuously, only flagging when action is needed. This reduced the need for teams to regularly check equipment. Examples of preventative maintenance include:
- Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS): These systems monitor performance in real time to replace only the failing batteries.
- Fire panels in critical rail infrastructure: The process of disabling fire systems during electrical or welding work can be remotely managed, saving organisations significant savings annually by being able to switch systems on and off remotely.
The hurdles to going smart
The biggest constraint is often what’s already there. Many organisations still run on legacy infrastructure, and with limited budgets and competing demands, the cost of upgrading it can be a real barrier.
But ripping everything out isn’t the only option. There are smart ways to extend the life of existing systems by enabling them with new tech – bridging the gap instead of starting from scratch.That’s why it’s crucial to understand the infrastructure already in place, and the challenges that come with it, before proposing any solution. Because when it comes to deploying smart infrastructure, cost is often the deciding factor.
There’s also a mindset shift needed. Instead of viewing cost as a sunk expense, it should be seen as an investment in business outcomes – automation, efficiency, and, yes, reducing headcount where it makes sense.
Building tomorrow’s smart environments
Within the next five to ten years, it’s likely that almost every industry will rely on some form of smart environment. While people will still play an important role, much of the routine and operational work will be managed through AI and automation.
These AI systems will operate within clearly defined rules, helping to manage spaces, identify issues early and make safe, efficient decisions.
Workplaces will continue to evolve with more automation, a seamless user experience and built-in collaboration tools. Interestingly, this shift could even encourage more people to return to physical spaces. Some younger employees, who studied remotely during COVID, are already showing a stronger interest in working face-to-face.
No matter how working habits develop, one thing is clear. Smart infrastructure is no longer an emerging concept. It is fast becoming the foundation for better space management, easier maintenance and flexible working environments.
Gerard Donohue
Gerard Donohue is Chief Technology Officer at Telent, shaping technology strategy across Industry 4.0, connectivity, sustainability, and OT cybersecurity to drive innovation and digital transformation.
