From Asset Mapping to Novacene: Scaling New Heights in Sustainability and Building Performance

In today's ever-changing world, the need for continuous evolution is paramount. One company that was at the forefront of this transformation was Asset Mapping technology, which continues to power many of the leading Proptech players. With a history dating back to the construction of the London Olympic Park in 2012, Asset Mapping, which we will call "Version V1," revolutionized Smart Buildings. Despite winning awards in 2014 for RBS on one of the first IoT projects of its kind, it soon became apparent that further adaptation was necessary to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving technological landscape. In this article, we will explore the remarkable evolution of Version V1's concept, highlighting its initial aim of cost-effectiveness and improved building performance. It was a stepping stone, akin to the Sinclair C5 to the Tesla Roadster, leading the way to the Novacene era.

Necessity is the Mother of Innovation

In 2012, during the construction of the London Olympic Park, Bill Clee and Greg Klimaszewski recognized the need for more effective asset management. With the installation of thousands of CCTV cameras and the fast-paced nature of the project, managing assets across the park took much work. To address this challenge, they devised a live "Google Earth" system that directly displayed the location and status of CCTV cameras from AutoCAD. Initially named "Secure Earth," this ingenious solution saved engineers valuable time and empowered managers to make informed decisions. The outcome? Significant cost savings and improved overall efficiency. This marked the birth of Asset Mapping V1.1, a groundbreaking concept that laid the foundation for modern-day digital twins and IoT.

"Thanks to the Secure Earth concept we piloted for the London Olympic Park, asset management became more effective, saving both time and money." - Project Manager, Rob Lovett

Testing in the Real World

Building on the success of Secure Earth, Version V1 ventured into the realm of Building Management System (BMS) monitoring and optimisation in 2014. Through collaboration with a major UK bank customer, the company visualised HVAC usage, enabling customers to optimise their BMS. V1 empowered its customers to visualize data on a digital twin by providing real-time data and insights. This foray into Smart Building showcased the adaptability of augmenting BMS and the potential for enhanced energy management.

From IoT Integration to Smart Cities: Innovating for Sustainable Growth

Recognising the potential of their digital twin dashboard, the first Version (V1) was utilised by Cisco and the Smart Cities project "CityVerve " in Manchester, working with the University and Bruntwood to optimise buildings. Leveraging their expertise in IoT integration, they developed solutions for indoor air quality monitoring, occupancy, and capacity management. The versatility of Version V1's platform was evident as they even targeted the chicken farming industry, offering smart agriculture solutions that helped reduce costs and ensure the well-being of the birds. Through data-driven innovation, V1 demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and brought about positive change in various sectors.

Recognition of the Need to Innovate Beyond V1 from the Beginning

In 2018, V1 focused on commercializing the products and catering to real estate needs. It powers companies active in Proptech and Air Quality, such as Metrikus and Airated , who are focused on BMS and property owners and managers, enabling them to make data-driven decisions. The integration of sensor systems allowed for comprehensive monitoring and validated the V1 platform to provide a holistic view of the building, enabling sustainable and efficient practices to begin.

Buildings 3.0

The Digital Transformation: The Need to Think Bigger

V1's platform showcased innovation since its inception, it became clear that it was not designed to address the needs of the vast majority of buildings worldwide, which do not use BMS (around 90% of all buildings), and thus, a fresh approach was required. The founder of Asset Mapping embarked on a period of stealth and worked to address the challenges of scale, security, and interoperability, eventually creating a new solution named after the visionary James Lovelock – the Novacene.

The Novacene Connection: Pioneering Sustainable Solutions

In the era of the Novacene – a term coined by James Lovelock to describe the emergence of hyper-intelligent beings and to take the idea of Asset Mapping to the next stage – Asset Mapping stood as a pioneering technology in driving sustainable solutions. However, recognizing the need for a new approach, Novacene embraced the remarkable technological advancements since 2018. From revolutionary database designs tailored for AI to more open and accessible mapping technologies, the landscape has witnessed significant progress.

The science surrounding building performance has also evolved, enabling a deeper understanding of how structures can operate optimally. With the integration of advanced analytics and data-driven insights, the possibilities for sustainable practices in the built environment have expanded exponentially.

The synergistic collaboration between technology and sustainability becomes increasingly apparent as we look to the future. Novacene harnesses these advancements, leveraging the power of AI and sophisticated mapping technologies to transform building performance. Novacene paves the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future by orchestrating infrastructure and microgrids through AI-driven control systems.

The journey from Asset Mapping to Novacene signifies a technological evolution and a shift in mindset. It represents a commitment to harnessing the full potential of technological advancements and scientific knowledge to drive sustainable solutions. With these advancements, we can shape a world where buildings operate intelligently, resources are optimized, and environmental impact is minimized.

Asset Mapping raison d'être has evolved into Novacene in this new era, embodying the spirit of progress and innovation. Together, we pioneer sustainable solutions, transforming our built environment and forging a path towards a brighter, more sustainable future.

Conclusion: Driving Sustainability and Building Performance with Novacene

Novacene's journey from its early stages to its current state is reminiscent of a challenging ascent up a perilous mountain. Innovation, like mountaineering, demands perseverance, courage, and a readiness to embrace change. Like intrepid climbers, startups confront numerous obstacles and setbacks, navigating through rugged terrain while overcoming ego-driven challenges, including the occasional sabotage - but that's another blog on startups.

However, with unwavering determination, Novacene has showcased its resilience and steadfast dedication to advancing sustainability and improving building performance. Just as reaching the summit of a mountain instils a profound sense of accomplishment, Novacene's transformative approach holds the promise of a future where sustainability flourishes, guided by the invaluable lessons learned from the arduous path of innovation/