3 MIN READ

Bane NOR saves millions through smart buildings

Office spaces are expensive. That’s why Bane NOR continuously works to optimize the use of its buildings. This leads to both environmental benefits and savings in the millions. The solution is powered by Capgemini, a leading consulting firm, and proptech company BLDNG.

Data from hundreds of sensors in Bane NOR's office spaces is continuously uploaded. Capgemini assists in presenting sensor data from BLDNG’s data platform. The data is analyzed and sent in real-time to the presentation layer that Capgemini helped Bane NOR develop. Along with historical data from BLDNG`s platform, this provides a better basis for decision-making, ensuring optimal utilization of office facilities.

"We are passionate about sustainability. Not only do we work to encourage more people to choose trains, but we also aim to provide our employees with the best possible office environment. The proptech solution from BLDNG optimizes the use of our facilities and makes it easier to make the right decisions," says Morten Stray Floberghagen, Director of Railway Property at Bane NOR.

"Our role has been to effectively present the data from all the building sensors at Bane NOR, both in real-time and for historical analysis. The property manager can now make more data-driven decisions for optimal use of floors and meeting rooms. The solution makes it easier to ensure the sustainable operation of the building," says Håkon Lenschow, Chief Consultant at Capgemini.

Bane NOR understands that a green transition also requires a digital shift. "Our proptech solution simplifies property management and optimizes space. Every day, we contribute to sustainable growth, and we are proud of that," says Steffan Thorvaldsen, CCO of BLDNG.

Smart buildings are also greener and help us achieve both sustainability goals and the organization's business objectives. It's simply about more efficient and proactive management of our buildings," says Morten Stray Floberghagen of Bane NOR.

The company has installed dedicated real-time reporting screens on every floor of its headquarters in Oslo, showing the utilization of floors and meeting rooms. This has made it easier to find available meeting rooms and has provided employees with a smoother workday.

From Visibility to Insight

Bane NOR Eiendom began its journey toward smarter buildings back in 2019. The experiences at the Oslo headquarters so far have resulted in savings in the millions – and a reduced climate footprint.

Sensors in more than 200 rooms, zones, and floors collect data on the use of spaces. This has made it possible to co-locate two units in Oslo. In the next phase, Bane NOR will consider expanding the solution to also gather data on air quality and temperature, which will allow for optimizing indoor climate and saving energy at the same time.

A Mission for the Public Good

Sensors from BLDNG collect information about the building and office facilities. All data is sent to BLDNG’s data platform, where it is compiled and analyzed to create a better basis for decisions on the efficient operation of the offices. The data is then sent to Bane NOR's data warehouse, which Capgemini is helping to develop.

Intelligent Buildings

Thanks to sensor data from BLDNG, Bane NOR knows exactly how many workstations they need in Oslo. This has already resulted in the consolidation of two offices. Additionally, they know how many people typically occupy the various floors and can optimize the building to ensure an even distribution of use. The result is both a reduced climate footprint and cost savings.

The solution provides insights into the use of the buildings and creates positive experiences for users. At the same time, there are significant benefits for tenants and property owners. Bane NOR is in the process of expanding the solution in Oslo. The next location is Bergen, and by 2024, further expansion to Hamar and Trondheim is being considered.

"We aim to become one of the best property companies in Norway when it comes to the operation and management of our properties," says Morten Stray Floberghagen, Director of Railway Property. He continues, "The collaboration between BLDNG, Capgemini, and key personnel at Bane NOR is already yielding great benefits. This collaboration will be essential in the coming years for Bane NOR to achieve both our sustainability goals and the organization's business objectives for more efficient and proactive management of our buildings."

Byggfakta.

Computerworld.