The vast reservoirs of data that universities have access to can be a valuable resource for estates management, supporting sustainability initiatives and driving efficiency across the campus. The key is understanding how to link various streams of data to unlock insights. A THE webinar, held in partnership with Siemens, brought together higher education experts to explore how institutions can use the invisible layer of campus data to move from silos to coordinated action.
Lars Weber, head of digital and software sales at Siemens, said that universities are often overwhelmed by an abundance of disconnected data. Valuable institutional data often goes to waste or remains fragmented. Technologies such as AI and machine learning can help stakeholders analyse data from different sources to inform decisions, said Weber. “At Siemens, we are focused on creating environments, especially around AI, that are trustworthy.”
The quality and type of data being collected is a crucial part of the puzzle. Systems management relies on being able to place data in context, especially when dealing with a sprawling campus with buildings of different technological maturity and purpose.
“There’s not a one-size-fits-all when we’re trying to understand our buildings and implement solutions to try and make them more efficient and effective,” said James Roth, sustainability manager at the University of Wollongong in Australia. Universities have different types of buildings for purposes such as teaching, research, recreation and administration. “All of these buildings are unique.”
Connecting data streams from various systems in every building gives universities better visibility of how their estates are performing and helps diagnose problems when they arise. It’s only when various data sets come together that the full picture emerges. “Having that information interconnected gives us a lot more insights,” said Roth.
The German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) treats its campus as a living lab, which is reflected in its academic culture. Yasmine Souissi, associate deputy rector for research and innovation at GUtech, said the university is seeing the effectiveness of having integrated systems throughout the campus. Using the Siemens Demand Flow technology, GUtech has managed to cut its electricity usage and carbon emissions. “We rely a lot on technologies and digitalisation,” said Souissi. “When you know where to implement these new technologies and how to make the best use of them, then you can have impact.”
GUtech focuses on continuous innovation to maintain a smart, sustainable and interconnected campus. “It’s an institutional requirement,” said Souissi. “This is something that the management and leaders of our university believe is extremely important. We are also driven by the national priorities.”
The panel:
- Alistair Lawrence, head of branded content, Times Higher Education (chair)
- James Roth, sustainability manager, University of Wollongong
- Yasmine Souissi, associate deputy rector for research and innovation, German University of Technology in Oman
- Lars Weber, head of digital and software sales, Siemens
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