by Brianna Crandall — October 23, 2015—Building services and engineering consultancy BSRIA recently launched a white paper on “Products and Systems for Generation Z in Reduced Carbon Buildings,” specifically asking: “What products and systems will be used in reduced carbon buildings in the future by the ‘smart’ generation?”
The paper examined the question: “What will be the expectations of Generation Z — the ‘smart’ generation?” and “What does our industry need to do to deliver these expectations and to achieve the reduced CO2 targets over the next 10 years, and what products and services will be required to achieve these objectives?”
The paper considered: “How can the value of buildings be improved in order to raise productivity and wellbeing for their occupiers and at the same time generate new revenue streams for suppliers?” It was written by Jeremy Towler, senior manager, Energy and Smart Technologies, BSRIA Worldwide Market Intelligence, from data collected in March 2015 at the ISH international trade fair for innovative bathroom design, energy efficient heating and air-conditioning technology and renewable energies in Frankfurt, Germany.
Generation Z
Sometimes described as the “first tribe of true digital natives,” or “screenagers”, Generation Z (born from the mid-1990s to the present day) are characterized as smarter and more prudent than their Generation Y predecessors. They are empowered, have more job choices, and seek freedom of movement and flexible working policies. They are said to be the “see it — want it,” “touch it — get it now” generation. When it comes to heating and cooling, unlike traditional systems, they expect them to just work, without any effort on their part.
“What will the expectations be of Generation Z – the ‘smart’ generation?”
When asked about expectations of buildings, Generation Z want devices that are aesthetically pleasing and want to know immediately when there is something wrong in the building and, ideally, have the problem fixed immediately, the report found. They also want choice, and it will be important for them to be able to choose their providers based on advice and transparency over cost of products and services.
Regarding technology, they want simplified, flexible products, which are easily manageable because they themselves lack skills to get involved in the detail. In short, they want passive system management.
“What does our industry need to do to deliver these expectations and to achieve the reduced CO2 targets over the next 10 years?”
Julia Evans, chief executive, BSRIA, said, “Generation Z has also been characterized as the ‘sharing, not the owning, generation.’ Therefore, there will need to be more options for renting and leasing rather than buying, due to higher capital costs. In relation to an uncertain energy future, Generation Z can see the immediate benefit of recycling.
“This generation has requested to ‘keep it simple’ and our industry needs to offer intelligent solutions that are more modular as well as being capable of being interconnected into a system to provide a global view. Therefore, products must standardize on how they communicate information between themselves. The intelligence should be built in to the controls and software.”
“What products and services will be required to achieve these objectives?”
“There was a general consensus that hybrid technologies would become dominant,” added Evans. “Generation Z seem much happier to buy a service than own a product. This includes buying a solution to solve an energy-related problem, rather than the tangible product itself. Suppliers will, therefore, have to change their ‘modus operandi’ to accommodate this stance.
It also was found that there is a need for smarter, more connected products which are simple for both contractors and end-users. Generation Z will want the latest technology, with quick, tangible results but with little or no additional costs. There should be a focus on service — it is big business!”
