MRI Software cuts London office operational costs and improves sustainability

Using real-time, occupancy-based data capture and analytics technology, the team at the UK headquarters of MRI Software in London streamlined energy usage and created a more efficient and flexible workplace, resulting in an impressive savings of over $25,000 in less than 12 months.

Business Challenge

Stubbornly high energy costs and inflation rates in the UK have increased the pressure on businesses to operate efficiently and cut excess. Similarly, mounting sustainability concerns and tightening ESG targets are driving businesses to adopt strategies to reduce energy usage and minimize their carbon footprint. At the same time, the widespread adoption of hybrid work models has changed the way people use office space – and presents opportunities to cut costs associated with facilities and space management.

Solution

Acting on these opportunities, in March 2023 the MRI Software team on London’s King Street implemented MRI OnLocation® for Footfall Analytics and aligned it with MRI Energy, the company’s energy management solution. This combination offered insights into the building’s efficiency and let the team measure energy and carbon emission per visitor. Equipped with this data, the team could make data-driven decisions about energy management and streamline usage to match fluctuating occupancy levels.

Business Impact

Occupancy-based energy usage
MRI OnLocation measures real-time occupancy data and provides analytics to ensure businesses make data-driven decisions based on foot traffic patterns and dwell time. Installed in the MRI office building, the system measures overall occupancy and delivers insights on usage trends and patterns.

The London office operates using a variety of different work arrangements, including remote and hybrid models. Presence in the building is inconsistent, and MRI OnLocation identified recurring patterns in occupancy levels over a period of several weeks.

Using MRI Energy, the team analyzed and managed energy usage. The King Street offices span seven stories, with energy meters measuring consumption on each floor. By comparing both datasets, the team could identify opportunities to reduce energy usage.

Reduced costs
Analyzing the occupancy sensor data, the King Street team found that Thursdays were busiest, meaning most of the spaces in the building were being used. However, on quieter days, it was possible to close off whole floors of office space where lighting, heating, and air conditioning was not needed, reducing utility usage and cutting costs.

Thanks to these occupancy data insights, it was also possible to adjust cleaning schedules to remove unused areas from task lists, as well as make maintenance schedules use-based instead of calendar-based. This change is creating further operational savings, representing a more streamlined and efficient way to maintain the building.

Accelerated progress toward ESG targets
By managing energy consumption based on occupancy, the team reduced overall usage, not only cutting costs but also improving the building’s sustainability. Using foot traffic data to inform space usage and energy requirements ensured that wasteful heating or air conditioning use was eliminated, and excess carbon emissions were reduced.

Additionally, MRI Energy can convert energy usage into carbon emissions data. This capability made it possible to track carbon footprint per visitor, a useful metric for future work to reduce carbon emissions. The King Street office team can now demonstrate progress toward ESG and net zero targets.

Improved employee experience
Employee demands of an office space are rising in a post-Covid world where staff have returned from long periods of mostly remote working. With the expectation of job flexibility comes an expectation of workplace flexibility. Office managers must maintain and manage facilities accordingly – and to a high standard – to boost employee satisfaction.

The King Street team uses detailed data and insights on occupancy patterns to adapt its offices, making the
most of available space and maximizing occupancy in an energy-conscious way. Provisioning services based on occupancy means the team place greater focus on integrating hybrid working practices into the workplace. Employees can rely on facilities being well-maintained and spaces being designed around their needs, letting them work productively while enjoying job flexibility.

Through increased efficiency of energy and space, the MRI Software London office team has created a safe, efficient, and productive workspace fit for modern working practices and requirements.

MRI OnLocation and MRI Energy are designed to help businesses make smarter, data-driven decisions, reducing cost and driving efficiency. To learn more and to see how your office could benefit, contact us today.