Slough Trading Estate and SEGRO Park Bracknell have been selected to be among 20 locations across Europe to have 'smart technology' introduced into their buildings.

It is being installed in a representative range of buildings – small and large; light industrial and big box; vacant and occupied – on SEGRO sites in the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Poland. The pilot programme involves close collaboration with SEGRO’s customers and the first insights are expected mid-year with detailed findings available at the end of 2020.

James Power, director of digital and technology, SEGRO said smart building technology would deliver significant benefits for its customers.

He said: "If sensors can tell them what is going on within and around the building, they can take quick and effective decisions to respond - leading to lower costs, lower energy use, increased efficiency and a better working environment for employees in the building.

“Industrial buildings present several unique challenges for smart technology, which is why it’s still in its infancy in the industrial sector. However, we are convinced that these challenges are worth overcoming, and this pilot programme is designed to help us fully understand both the challenges and the benefits. Our customers have responded very positively so far."

The smart building pilot programme is one of the first initiatives delivered through SEGRO’s new strategy, investment and innovation function which was announced in early February 2020.

SEGRO celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

Customers at its Slough Trading Estate have already been experiencing a smarter and more tech-focused environment at the estate, with smart solar-powered benches installed this year.