Smart control systems and the evolving urban landscape

As buildings become more complex, the role of HVAC – and the smart controls that support them – is becoming more important. Samsung Climate Solutions hosted a panel of buildings specialists during elementalLONDON to explore how these technologies can help create more efficient and resilient estates.

Readiness for smart technologies in commercial estates

While many estates are investing in smart systems, readiness varies widely, the experts agreed. Larger commercial portfolios often have the budget for new technology, but not always the internal capability to manage or operate it.  In some cases, facilities teams inherit complex controls without proper training on how they work, leading to manual overrides and missed opportunities to optimise performance. This gap between installation and operation was seen as one of the biggest barriers to delivering genuine ‘smart’ estates across multiple sites.

Integration was also identified as a challenge. Today’s commercial buildings rely on a range of systems – heating, cooling, ventilation, and more – but these do not always communicate with one another, panellists suggested. When estates span several buildings with different ages, suppliers and technologies, integration becomes even harder. This makes it difficult for organisations to monitor performance consistently or roll out unified strategies across their portfolio.

Rising energy costs, changing regulations and environmental expectations were identified as major pressures. Many organisations feel the push to reduce their environmental impact, but struggle with where to begin, the panellists said. It was also suggested that some clients adopt new technologies too quickly –driven by environmental targets or internal pressures, rather than clear operational needs.

Unpredictable shifts in occupancy, particularly in offices, also creates uncertainty. Many commercial spaces no longer operate on predictable patterns, making it harder to design or run systems efficiently. As a result, some buildings remain over-specified for current use, adding unnecessary cost and complexity. Due to these pressures and constraints, the group identified a general feeling of hesitation to adopt smart technologies within larger commercial estates.

 Smart controls and technology in practice

The panellists agreed that when systems are properly integrated and matched with a clear brief, smart controls can improve energy management in a number of ways: by adjusting based on real demand, providing better visibility of how buildings are performing; by supporting more consistent comfort for occupants through automated adjustments; and by helping estate teams prioritise maintenance through system alerts and performance data.

It was noted that these benefits are most evident when clients have a clear vision from the start, and when designers, consultants and contractors work together to create an aligned solution. In such cases, the results can be impressive – systems operate efficiently, controls are easy for occupants to use and buildings respond more effectively to real-world conditions. However, it was emphasised that success depends on early planning, simple user interfaces and the right operational support after installation.

Smart controls also offer value in buildings with fluctuating occupancy. Demand-based control – where systems respond only when needed – helps adapt energy use to how spaces are used. This increases efficiency but requires systems that react quickly enough to meet user expectations.

 The future of estates management

Technology will play a central role in how estates are managed in the years ahead, particularly as urban environments become more complex and regulations continue to come into play, it was felt. Future-ready estates will depend on systems that communicate seamlessly, adapt to changing patterns of use and provide clear, accessible data to support decision-making.

Open protocols, modular system design and better integration were seen as essential, helping buildings evolve over time without requiring major overhauls and reducing the operational complexity that often holds estates back. Preparing for the future is not simply about installing more technology, the panellists emphasised. Instead, it should be about ensuring that smart controls are flexible; easy to manage; resilient to changes in use, regulation, and energy markets; and adaptable to different types of buildings.

Key takeaways

The roundtable made clear that while smart controls are advancing quickly, their value depends on simplicity, integration and operation. Clearer briefs, better coordination, and stronger support for facilities teams are essential to help smart controls to support buildings to perform as intended.

The discussion reinforced the need to design out unnecessary complexity and focus on solutions that match real patterns of use. This principle underpinned the session and remains central to creating commercial spaces that are efficient, practical, and ready for the future.

Ultimately, the group agreed that the sector is technically ready to deliver smarter buildings. What will determine success is clarity on responsibilities along the supply chain, better alignment across project teams and a shared commitment to solutions that work for both people and the environment.

“It was great to discuss the complexities we as an industry are facing at the moment, trying to make buildings as efficient and energy conscious as possible,” concluded Paul Stack, Consultant Sales Manager for London and the South East, Samsung Climate Solutions, “There’s a common echo we’re hearing that there’s still a hesitation for adoption, as the data is not quite there. Samsung’s portfolio of commercial climate systems directly addresses many of the issues raised, from climate management to operational efficiency,”

“Our newest building management tool, SmartThings Pro, delivers an AI-powered, integrated management solution and a robust device ecosystem, which can help in transforming  spaces – from multi-family housing and hospitality to office, retail, and commercial buildings – into more efficient and scalable environments,” Paul added, “SmartThings Pro collects operational and energy data, to gain valuable insights and helps users optimise energy consumption. We look forward to working with the industry towards the ultimate goal of smart, optimised and seamlessly controlled buildings of the future.”

Roundtable Panellists:

• Chaired by John Taylor – Publications Manager at BSRIA
• Jean Fourie, Senior Engineer & Partner, Max Fordham
• Allan Fourie, Technology Lead, Property Management, JLL
• Alex Hill, Managing Director, Whitecode Consulting
• Peter Judd, Owner & Director, Judd Consulting
• George Laganas, Consultancy & Advisory Lead, BSRIA
• Nick Maggs, Managing Director of Hard Services, OCS
• Graeme Rees, Immediate Past President, Building Controls Industry Association
• Vince Ruane, Founder & Director, Ruane Construction Design and Consultancy
• Nick Ryman, Sales Director, Pacair
• Paul Stack – Consultant Sales Manager for London and the South East, Samsung Climate Solutions
• James Warne, Director, Buro Happold