The built environment has a fundamental role to play in realizing sustainability and climate objectives. In this series, we offer insights into how corporate organizations can optimize their real estate for both user experience and environmental impact, in turn moving the dial on improving global communities.
Real estate digitization is not limited to commercial properties; this month, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London takes the spotlight as the Verdantix smart building MVP. Considered Europe’s most technologically advanced stadium, the venue hosts an integrated network of over 700 CCTV cameras, access points, digital signage and point-of-sale systems. Its digital platform unifies technology solutions from 12 different providers, including Aruba and Schneider Electric, to facilitate all aspects of event days, such as access control, energy management and broadcasting. Data are analysed at the network edge, allowing for real-time processing, and two data centres power the stadium, monitoring information across fan engagement analytics and building equipment performance. This abundance of digital features brings with it a hat-trick of benefits, comprising:
- Sustainable operations through renewable energy integration and waste reduction.
Strides have been made to ensure the environmental impacts of the stadium are minimized, and the club consistently tops the Premier League sustainability table published by BBC Sport. The venue has achieved 100% certified renewable energy and zero Scope 2 emissions and utilizes technologies including solar panels and air source heat pumps. Furthermore, the club’s power supply agreement with Schneider Electric is geared towards enhancing the venue’s energy efficiency. Additional sustainability-focused measures span from waterless urinals and low-flow fittings to minimize water consumption to a zero-waste-to-landfill policy that prioritizes recycling and reuse, including a reusable cup scheme. - Unrivalled fan experience via engagement solutions and connectivity features.
Tottenham Hotspur is in it to win it when it comes to fan enjoyment. The stadium features under-the-seat Aruba Access Points to deliver connectivity to over 62,000 people and the network can support simultaneous livestreaming from more than 40,000 fans. Digital signage is installed across the venue and, like Heung-min Son, can adapt to various scenarios in real-time. The Official Spurs + Stadium App supports wayfinding, ensuring a seamless route from entry to seats. It doesn’t stop at the stadium gates, recommending optimal transport routes for fans to return to their homes from the venue. - Adaptability and multi-purpose pitch design to host diverse events.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, like its star players, is a true all-rounder, catering to both sporting and live music events. Engineering specialist SCX was enlisted to install a retractable pitch, which reveals an artificial field underneath the grass turf for NFL games and concerts. Lighting that mimics sunlight and irrigation systems ensure that the grass pitch is maintained at prime condition, and with a touch of a few buttons the space can transform to accommodate Beyoncé, Guns N’ Roses or the Chicago Bears.
There are a number of best practices organizations could adopt from this case study:
- Embracing renewable energy technologies and emphasizing energy-efficient solutions can propel sustainability through a firm’s assets (see Verdantix Green Quadrant: Energy Management Software 2023).
- The prioritization of the personal experience of occupants and visitors is central to the delivery of social value, with technology playing a crucial role in enriching this interaction (see Verdantix Tech Roadmap: Space And Workplace Management Solutions (2023)).
- Multi-functional spaces can easily adapt to evolving requirements without the need for extensive renovation or new construction, which is crucial to future-proof real estate (see Verdantix From Work To Home: The Offices Finding New Life As Residential Blocks).
