High-Performance Offices: How to Optimize Comfort and Efficiency?
Interview - Frederic Gallo
Why do we talk about high-performance offices?
When discussing a building’s performance, it is essential to consider its use and the many factors that influence occupant comfort.
At Equans, we conduct a detailed analysis of elements such as temperature, humidity, drafts, noise, air quality, water quality, lighting, connectivity, and services (EV charging stations, dining areas, access to showers and locker rooms, etc.). We analyze the building’s use from the occupant’s perspective.
How does Equans adapt its solutions to different environments?
Take, for example, venues that host high-level sports competitions, such as badminton and table tennis … where even the slightest aerodynamic disturbance can affect the trajectory of the shuttlecock or balls. Our teams therefore had to work on airflow management to ensure optimal stability during matches, taking into account the number of spectators present, airflow patterns, and the venue’s thermal conditions.
In the healthcare sector, our solutions can help limit the spread of hospital-acquired infections by rigorously controlling airflow and indoor air quality.
Similarly, in schools, we know that a group of 30 students generates heat equivalent to a 3,000-watt radiator. Inadequate thermal comfort (too hot or too cold) can hinder students’ concentration and well-being. It is therefore crucial to strike the right balance between comfort and energy efficiency.
How does Equans balance comfort and performance?
Equans, together with its subsidiaries INEO, Axima, and Bouygues Energie & Services, designs and implements solutions that address these challenges. We take action on several fronts:
- Optimizing energy consumption: We implement solutions to reduce energy consumption, such as heat pumps, geothermal energy, energy management systems, and the switch to LEDs. Our building automation and control systems (BACS) enable us to regulate and create automated processes so that the building can fulfill its intended purpose while maintaining optimal comfort for its occupants. For example, automatic lighting that responds to occupancy or temperature control adjusted based on room occupancy.
- Asset Enhancement and Maintenance: We support our clients with maintenance services to ensure the longevity of infrastructure and maintain energy efficiency.
How is the commercial real estate market evolving, and what are the new trends?
The slowdown in the new commercial real estate market—with a 26% decline in 2024—is redirecting investments toward energy-efficient renovations. At the same time, new segments are emerging, notably solar power and electric mobility (EV charging infrastructure), as well as decarbonization initiatives led by manufacturers who have developed master plans aimed at reducing their fixed costs and improving their competitiveness.
Our diverse and extensive range of solutions enables us to provide concrete and effective answers to these challenges.
