Mike Barnes of Savills writes an interesting blog regarding data sharing between landlords and tenants.
Sharing of data is common in the retail property world where turnover rents have been a part of the landscape for many years. Landlords require tenants' data in order to ascertain the turnover element of the rent, which is calculated as a percentage of the tenant's turnover at the unit.
Sharing of data in office premises is a relatively new phenomenon. There is a natural reluctance on the part of individuals and businesses to share data with landlords. However, with the advent of smart buildings the sharing of data brings advantages to all the parties, improving efficiency and user experience and, ultimately, reducing costs and environmental impact.
The difficult part is recognising what is useful sharing and what is intrusive information gathering. It's all about balance. And that is something we are still learning.
In light of various scandals about how social media companies, and others, have been utilising users’ data, accepting data collection about tenant and employee behaviour is something that is still in the early stages in the UK and continental Europe. However, if done correctly, the benefits of using data for building efficiency are undeniable. For example, knowing when which parts of a building are being used can significantly reduce energy costs by only using lighting and heating when needed.
