8A — January 12 - 25, 2018 — 2018 Forecast — M id A tlantic
Real Estate Journal
www.marejournal.com
2018 F orecast By David Moreno, AKF 2018 Trends and Predictions
E very new year presents opportunities to reflect on successes, establish
buildings more efficient, and in 2018 we’ve only just arrived at the edge of what’s possible. Smart Buildings and the Internet of Things The Internet of Things holds tremendous potential for owners, developers and managers, as well as employ- ers, universities and health systems. This technology uti- lizes data to integrate nearly all aspects of buildings – from corporate headquarters to college campuses – including parking, security, lighting and energy usage. The prom- ising impact on the culture,
performance and wellness of building occupants cannot be overstated. Sustainability Buildings were once viewed as inefficient boxes that soak up energy – and many still do – but there’s reason for op- timism. Owners, developers and managers are recogniz- ing the environmental and economic value of modern day sustainability efforts, and data collection and artificial intelligence now represent the next frontier. AKF maintains a front row view to the possibilities
of 21st Century technology. We’ve achieved carbon neu- trality, embraced a Living Building challenge, and have established the viability of Net Zero Energy. The key to our success is a holistic approach designed around concerns of users and how and when they work. We understand the purpose of the energy used in buildings is to make occupants happy and productive. As new data and intelligence helps drive energy costs down, the focus on wellness will begin to take center stage.
Wellness Over the past decade there has been a focus on providing quality air, water, light, and comfort in buildings. As the building industry continues to evolve, owners, users, and designers are placing more at- tention on the health and hap- piness of building occupants. The WELL Building Standard and Fitwel are two certifica- tions that optimize the built en- vironment to improve human health. We anticipate further growth in this movement. Resiliency Anything can happen. To- day, our clients are more aware of this than ever before. AKF intelligently plans facil- ity infrastructure to withstand any number of threats, be they natural, accidental or intentional. Commissioning As technology advances and systems and codes become increasingly complex, com- missioning has never been more vital to success and performance of buildings. This important tool ensures complicated systems run cohe- sively, offers a pillar of safety, and should never be treated as a simple “check-the-box” exercise. AKF Commission- ing’s reputation is built on its unparalleled expertise and meticulous approach. The year ahead Trends come and go, but solid engineering principles remain. At AKF, we call it Engineering Leadership: the ability to listen to our clients, inform them of their options, and discover ways to meet their needs today and tomor- row. It’s recognition that the best way to do something isn’t always the most obvious, and true ingenuity requires dedi- cation and understanding. AKF, an award-winning global MEP design firm, also offers a full spectrum of inte- grated services to bring better solutions to clients and cater to unique project needs. AKF is headquartered in New York City, with offices across the United States and Mexico, including Philadelphia, PA, Hamilton, NJ and Baltimore, MD. David Moreno, Partner in Charge of AKF’s Phila- delphia office, is a frequent contributor to the industry, speaking at conferences, moderating panels, and writing for trade journals. n
goals, and an- ticipate com- ing trends. At AKF, we believe there h a s n e v e r been a more exciting time for our pro- fession.
David Moreno
Technology is impacting how we live, work and play, and en- gineering is providing the back- bone for these advancements. Cities are getting smarter,
Photo: © Tom Crane
Global Engineering &
Integrated Services
akfgroup.com
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