The Digital Buildings Council (DBC) is a member-led group of industry specialists advocating for a more collaborative and interconnected approach to breaking down silos and providing the necessary clarity and assurance to help fulfil the potential of digital buildings.

The current state of the digital buildings industry is still very siloed, with a clear consensus on the need to shift towards a common, more interconnected approach. While various groups tend to focus on specific layers of the technology stack, the nature of digital technology inherently spans across these silos. Therefore, a collaborative approach is crucial to provide the market with the necessary clarity and assurance needed to fully realise the potential of digital buildings.

In tandem, the growth of the digital buildings market has been constrained by uncertainty. If the following issues are not consistently addressed, there is a significant risk that it will not fulfil its potential:

• Market confusion through too many conflicting voices, vested interests and inconsistency of language used.
• Gap between the technology promise and reality on what is possible.
• Shift in focus from the “Why” and “What” to the “How” of digital building implementation.
• Demonstrating ROI and adopting a holistic approach to calculating it.
• Practical guidance on sustainability performance and how technology can support and improve good governance and enhance user experience.
• Engagement of Cost and Project Management Consultants early in the project lifecycle to align digital outcomes with costs and mitigate value engineering pitfalls.

The DBC was launched in April 2024 to address these challenges through smaller, more representative and focused agile Working Groups that can effectively fill gaps in existing frameworks, improve best practices and drive industry-wide progress for the common good.

Initial aims include improving professional understanding through knowledge sharing, and developing a common language and approaches to engage key stakeholders across the built environment.

Established as a not-for-profit social enterprise, the DBC is governed by its constitution and overseen by a steering committee:

• Canary Wharf Contractors: Peter Beck, design executive – special systems
• Cordless Consultants: Ravi Lakhani, head of smart buildings
• Delta Controls: John Brough, director of European operations
• Ethos Engineering: Brian Coogan, director, digital services
• Facility Performance Consulting: James Atkins, director
• Hereworks: Daniel Watson, UK director
• LMG: Mike Hook, owner/director
• MiX Consultancy: Brahm Lategan, associate, smart buildings
• Multiplex: Alan Williamson, Senior Services Manager
• Nuxform: Secretary: Kevin Brownell, director
• One Sightsolutions: Jesse Poulton, business development director
• SES Engineering Services Ltd: James Thomas, head of smart buildings & technology
• Simmtronic: Jess Costanzo, commercial director
• Smart Spaces: Dan Drogman, chief executive officer

The administration of the DBC is overseen by Executive Officers who are voted for by their fellow steering committee members:

• Chairperson: Jess Costanzo
• Treasurer: Mike Hook
• Secretary: Kevin Brownell

The day-to-day operations of the DBC are managed by Executive Officer Justin Kirby, who reports to the Executive Officers. Justin, an author and market engagement specialist, played a pivotal role in founding the DBC by conceiving and co-facilitating a roundtable discussion in early 2024, which brought together many of the founding members and served as catalyst for the DBC’s establishment. You can read more about this in the summary report published by Smart Buildings Magazine.

Stay connected by following the DBC on LinkedIn for the latest updates, events and insights from the founding members and reach out to learn how to join our community and contribute to our mission.