Sights on 2050: How Digital and Physical Technologies Shape the Future of the Built Environment

Challenges facing the built environment have become increasingly extreme during the last quarter-century. As we embark toward 2050, the building industry is reckoning with significant threats, but we are also seeking collaborative solutions. Among these solutions are physical and digital technologies that, together, can make buildings more resilient, sustainable, and optimized for the well-being of occupants. This session will explore the technological systems and solutions, both physical and digital, that can empower building owners, occupants, and communities and shape the future of the industry.

How Product Technology Contributes to Resilient and Sustainable Buildings:
Attendees will learn the importance of supporting the “whole building:” The interdependencies within the built environment that must be considered to achieve sustainability goals. We will discuss the latest advancements in building technology, including near-term and long-term trends and how they come together to drive decarbonization, energy savings, and future innovations in design and construction.

Innovating the Design and Construction Process with Digital Technology:
We will illustrate how technology is revolutionizing design and construction efficiencies, collaborations, and project outcomes. 3D Revit models, building information modeling (BIM), and digital twins make it possible for architects, engineers, and construction professionals to visualize, interact, and address potential issues with projects virtually. These technologies give industry experts the tools needed to improve workflows, communication, and real-time collaboration with stakeholders.

How to Use Air Quality Data to Make Your Building Healthier and More Energy Efficient:
Indoor environmental quality is an essential component of occupant health and well-being in the built environment. Experts will talk about low cost, real-time indoor air quality (RT IAQ) sensors and their impact on the green and healthy building movements. RT IAQ sensors collect data that can be transformed into actionable insights about the health of your building and its occupants. These insights empower building owners and operators to manage infectious disease risk and improve the energy efficiency and overall resilience of your building. With a straightforward installation process and benefits that boost occupant health, productivity, and business value, RT IAQ sensors are a no-brainer for occupant well-being.

Session highlights:
The session will explain how energy optimization and product development contribute to meeting ESG and sustainability goals. Attendees will learn about innovative materials and construction methods that minimize environmental impact and promote energy efficiency.

Speakers will demonstrate how digital tools, such as 3D Revit models and digital twins, can help project teams overcome collaboration challenges. We will explain how these technologies facilitate more efficient design processes, reduce project timelines, and enhance sustainability efforts.

The session will go over the challenges in developing an IAQ monitoring program, including data management and translating data into meaningful adjustments of building systems. In addition, it will discuss the value of RT IAQ data beyond verifying healthy environments

The concept of "healthy energy" will be introduced, emphasizing the importance of achieving energy efficiency in buildings while ensuring a healthy indoor environment for occupants. This holistic approach to building performance recognizes the interconnectedness of energy efficiency, sustainability, and human health and addresses the misconception that a green building and a healthy building are mutually exclusive.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the role of technology in building resilience and sustainability: Learn how physical and digital technologies can enhance the resilience, sustainability, and well-being of building occupants.
  • Explore advancements in building technology: Discover the latest trends in building technology that drive decarbonization, energy savings, and future innovations in design and construction.
  • Improve design and construction processes with digital tools: Understand how digital technologies like 3D Revit models, BIM, and digital twins improve design efficiencies, collaboration, and project outcomes.
  • Utilize air quality data for healthier buildings: Learn how real-time indoor air quality sensors can provide actionable insights to improve building health, energy efficiency, and occupant well-being.
Time:
09:20 AM - 10:15 AM
Date:
20 May 2025

Speaker

Nathan Baxter
Director of Design and Digital Services, Armstrong World Industries
Shivani Cott
Senior Scientist, 9 Foundations
Michael Lorenz
Senior Director of Technology, Armstrong World Industries