What are smart assets and IT building facilities?

The term 'smart asset' is increasingly used in the real estate sector. But what does it mean exactly? And when is a building a smart asset? In this article, we explain what smart assets are, which IT building facilities belong to them, and why a strong IT infrastructure is the absolute prerequisite.

The short answer: a smart asset is a building made smart with technology. It collects data, automatically controls systems, optimises energy consumption and manages security digitally. But that smartness depends entirely on the quality of the underlying IT infrastructure - and that is precisely what the IT-label objectively maps out.

What are IT building facilities?

IT building facilities are the fixed technical systems in a building that operate via a network. They are built into the property itself and form part of the building installations. Examples include:

Digital access control

Modern access control no longer works with traditional keys. Employees and visitors enter with a digital pass, an app on their smartphone, or via biometric recognition. These systems are connected to a central platform where administrators can assign rights, monitor access and intervene immediately in the event of incidents. They require a stable network connection and are vulnerable if the IT infrastructure is not in order.

IP security cameras

Analogue cameras have virtually disappeared. IP cameras connect via the network and transmit images live to a cloud platform or local storage. Advanced systems use AI for image recognition: they detect unauthorised access, unusual situations or suspicious behaviour patterns. The bandwidth this requires can be considerable - especially when multiple cameras record in high resolution. Read more about cybersecurity in real estate.

Smart climate control

Traditional thermostats are being replaced by intelligent climate systems that respond to occupancy patterns, outdoor temperatures and energy prices. Smart thermostats communicate via the network with a central system. AI algorithms learn from usage patterns and optimise the climate automatically. This saves energy and increases user comfort - but requires a reliable network connection.

Smart lighting

LED lighting with presence sensors and daylight control is now standard in modern offices. Smart lighting systems adjust light intensity and colour based on the time of day, occupancy and personal preferences. They communicate via the building network and can be managed centrally. Read more in our knowledge base on smart building technology.

Charging stations

The rise of electric vehicles makes charging stations an indispensable facility. Smart charging stations are connected to the network and use load balancing: they intelligently distribute the available power across all connected vehicles, taking into account energy prices and grid load. This requires a stable connection and sometimes dedicated software platforms.

Reservation systems

Flexible workspaces and meeting rooms require digital reservation systems. Via an app or web platform, employees reserve their workstation, meeting room or parking space. These systems are linked to access control and sometimes to climate and lighting systems: a reserved room is automatically set to the right temperature and lit. See what tenants need to watch out for.

A building only becomes a smart asset when the systems not only function individually, but communicate with each other and form a coherent whole.

When is a building a smart asset?

The presence of individual smart systems does not yet make a building a smart asset. The real leap is made when systems communicate with each other and data is actively used to improve performance.

A smart asset is a building where:

• Systems communicate with each other via an integrated platform
• Data from occupancy sensors, energy meters and climate installations are analysed together
• Maintenance is predicted based on wear data (predictive maintenance)
• Energy consumption is automatically optimised based on occupancy and tariffs
• Managers have real-time insight into the building's performance

The IT foundation a smart asset needs

What IT infrastructure is minimally required for a functioning smart asset? Our experts distinguish five critical components:

1. Fast internet via fibre: Only a fibre optic connection offers sufficient bandwidth for all connected systems simultaneously. Read more about fibre optic connections.
2. Structured cabling (Cat6a or higher): All network connections in the building must be of high quality, so that data transfer is fast and reliable.
3. Full wifi coverage: Not all devices can be connected via a cable. Wifi coverage in all spaces - including basements, stairwells and car parks - is essential. Read more about wifi coverage.
4. Network security: Smart systems are connected to the internet and therefore a potential attack target. Firewalls, network segmentation and regular security updates are indispensable.
5. Emergency power: In the event of a power failure, critical systems such as access control and security must continue to function. UPS systems and emergency generators are needed for this.

AI-proof real estate is not a luxury for the future - it is the standard that today's tenants already expect.

The IT-label as a measuring stick

How do you know if your building meets the requirements of a smart asset? The IT-label provides the answer. The label systematically assesses all relevant aspects of the digital infrastructure and gives a score from IT1 HIGH PERFORMANCE to IT4 CORE & IT5 SHELL.

For office buildings, a score of at least IT2 PLUG & PLAY or IT3 READY is generally required to function as a smart asset. The highest scores are reserved for buildings with full redundancy, advanced security and an integrated building information system.

Want to know where your building stands? Find the IT-label of your property or view the label categories to see what each level entails. Do you have questions? Feel free to contact our specialists.