These workspaces are a major selling point of smart buildings, but specific processes for tenants to obtain landlords’ approval for any proposed work that may affect building systems, both during the fixturing period and throughout the lease term, should be properly papered. At the same time, the language in the lease should contemplate future upgrades — there has been a rapid evolution in technology in recent years; nonetheless, parties will want flexibility to adapt to future changes.
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Leases should incorporate standard green lease provisions, but these provisions should be tailored to reflect the parties’ intentions; they should include their alignment on energy usage, waste reduction, and other environmental and sustainability objectives, if possible. Ideally, parties will achieve full transparency in the lease, and thereby minimize the likelihood of future disputes.
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The goal is to decrease energy use and associated costs over time, but parties must consider the initial cost of installing specialized smart systems and the ongoing costs of upkeep, which may be reflected in the negotiated rent or, more commonly, within operating costs. The impact may depend on the size and sophistication of the tenant. Maintenance and repairs may vary from what has been traditionally market standard — still, landlords will generally maintain building-wide systems, whereas tenants may be responsible for smart devices or similar equipment installed within their premises.
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Improved operations:
Energy efficiency and indoor air quality: The goal of these leases is to improve and reduce energy usage. This can be accomplished by mandatory energy efficient lighting controls, prohibited use of space heaters, reduced light pollution with light directed downward, use of solar and other renewable energy, and enhanced ventilation and filtration systems for better air quality.
Regulated waste production: Green leases may mandate the use of recycling and composting systems, provide incentives for tenants to reduce waste, require landlord to offer recycling and composting facilities, and require the monitoring and reporting of usage to ensure compliance.
Sustainable equipment, materials and resources: Parties are typically required to use sustainable materials for construction projects, alterations, repairs and maintenance, and are prohibited from using noxious and toxic cleaning substances.
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Decreased energy use and reduced operational costs by virtue of automated building systems, such as lighting and ventilation systems.
In the event of a significant system failure, the intricacies of the aforementioned technology could disrupt tenants’ businesses. Tenants will want to ensure landlords effect prompt repairs (alternatively, to negotiate for rent abatement), whereas landlords will want to allocate some responsibility and liability onto tenants. Ultimately, both parties have a vested interest in the seamless functioning of the building’s interconnected technology.
Advanced interconnected technology, such as IoT (Internet of things), sensors, and automation systems, monitor and control various building functions. HVAC and submetering can be controlled and viewed through mobile apps; occupants can reserve private office space and meeting rooms well in advance; and support and troubleshooting can be requested and resolved quickly. Free Wi-Fi and reliable cellular coverage are usually offered in all parts of the building. Advanced security systems keep track of who is in the office with biometric access control, and ensure the building and its occupants are protected with AI-driven surveillance.
Smart workspaces offer flexible, high-tech features, such as height-adjustable and ergonomic desks, chairs, and furniture that can be easily manipulated based on individual preferences; collaborative conferencing systems for remote communication; digital whiteboards; voice-activated and touchless technology; and lighting designed to reduce eye strain. All of these are easily customizable to meet the needs of different tenants, generally, and different occupants, specifically.
Health and wellness are prioritized with, for example, ample bicycle racks (to encourage cycling to work); first-class fitness facilities; luxurious showers and/or changerooms; parks or other green spaces (think open-air meetings); healthy food options; high-efficiency water fixtures and filters to minimize single-use plastic; increased lighting and artwork within stairways to promote stair use; and natural sunlight where possible.
Decreased energy use and reduced operational costs by virtue of automated building systems, such as lighting and ventilation systems.
Advanced interconnected technology, such as IoT (Internet of things), sensors, and automation systems, monitor and control various building functions. HVAC and submetering can be controlled and viewed through mobile apps; occupants can reserve private office space and meeting rooms well in advance; and support and troubleshooting can be requested and resolved quickly. Free Wi-Fi and reliable cellular coverage are usually offered in all parts of the building. Advanced security systems keep track of who is in the office with biometric access control, and ensure the building and its occupants are protected with AI-driven surveillance.
Smart workspaces offer flexible, high-tech features, such as height-adjustable and ergonomic desks, chairs, and furniture that can be easily manipulated based on individual preferences; collaborative conferencing systems for remote communication; digital whiteboards; voice-activated and touchless technology; and lighting designed to reduce eye strain. All of these are easily customizable to meet the needs of different tenants, generally, and different occupants, specifically.
4. Health and wellness are prioritized with, for example, ample bicycle racks (to encourage cycling to work); first-class fitness facilities; luxurious showers and/or changerooms; parks or other green spaces (think open-air meetings); healthy food options; high-efficiency water fixtures and filters to minimize single-use plastic; increased lighting and artwork within stairways to promote stair use; and natural sunlight where possible.