Smart campus tools 2.0 exploring the use of real-time space use measurement at universities and organizations

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to generate knowledge about the use of smart campus tools to improve the effective and efficient use of campuses. Many universities are facing a challenge in attuning their accommodation to organisational demand. How can universities invest their resources as effectively as possible and not in space that will be poorly utilized? The hypothesis of this paper is that by using smart campus tools, this problem can be solved. Design/methodology/approach To answer the research question, previous survey at 13 Dutch universities was updated and compared with a survey of various universities and other organizations. The survey consisted of interviews with structured and semi-structured questions, which resulted in a unified output for 27 cases. Findings Based on the output of the cases, the development of smart campus tools at Dutch universities was compared to that of international universities and other organizations. Furthermore, the data collection led to insights regarding the reasons for initiating smart campus tools, user and management information, costs and benefits and foreseen developments. Originality/value Although the use of smart tools in practice has gained significant momentum in the past few years, research on the subject is still very technology-oriented and not well-connected to facility management and real estate management. This paper provides an overview of the ways in which universities and organizations are currently supporting their users, improving the use of their buildings and reducing their energy footprint through the use of smart tools.

Application of Internet of Things in academic buildings for space use efficiency using occupancy and booking data

“…However, as stated by Ref. [ 7 , 8 ], there is a need for better linkage between these aspects. Fig.…”

“…Empirical studies that use large data from IoT tools to design interventions for space use management in learning spaces are scarce. The need for more research is underlined in a recent study referring to the vast interest of the facility managers and the variety of possible system configurations, for example, on using different sensors and data sources [ 7 ]. They also identified a knowledge gap on the connection between the technical and management aspects and inferred the need to provide management information that guides the practitioners to use smart tools for space use management [ 7 ].…”

“…The need for more research is underlined in a recent study referring to the vast interest of the facility managers and the variety of possible system configurations, for example, on using different sensors and data sources [ 7 ]. They also identified a knowledge gap on the connection between the technical and management aspects and inferred the need to provide management information that guides the practitioners to use smart tools for space use management [ 7 ]. This gap is restated from a broader perspective by O'Brien et al (2020), stating the promotion of the occupant-centric applications in buildings requires studies focusing on developing guidelines that include the collection of in-situ data from sensors in the buildings and its visualization [ 8 ].…”

Application of occupancy and booking information to optimize space and energy use in higher education institutions

“…The collected data in this study is related to only one semester although as suggested by [20], in order to reduce m2 footprint, it is better to wait until a smart tool is implemented for an extended period of time. Further studies should also include different stakeholders by investigating the perceptions and preferences of staff and students on booking lecture rooms.…”

“…Research on IoT tools in buildings has been more technology-oriented rather than involving different disciplines related to building industry to identify the added value of these systems [19]. Majority of papers on the subject focus on performance criteria such as accuracy for a new system design applied in a small scale [20]. The prominent potential that IoT and big data offer may fundamentally change the operation and management of real-estate in universities [21].…”