SmartViz takes first class honours at Cardiff Met

With rising pressure on space and growing environmental responsibilities, Cardiff Metropolitan University turned to digital innovation to manage its estate more efficiently. Faced with rising demand for teaching and social space, the university considered a multi-million-pound construction plan. However, aware of the financial risks and environmental costs, it sought a more sustainable, data-driven solution.

The university partnered with SmartViz, a fast-growing tech company, to deploy a digital twin strategy powered by IoT sensors and AI analytics. Low-cost, peel-and-stick sensors were installed across campus to monitor occupancy, temperature, ventilation and air quality in real time. The data was integrated with the university’s BMS and timetabling tools to create live, interactive dashboards showing exactly how and when spaces were used - and where energy was being wasted.

This solution allowed estates staff and senior leadership to make informed, scenario-based decisions. For example, granular sensor data helped facilities managers optimise heating and lighting usage based on real-time occupancy, while leadership could assess the impact of closing underused spaces without disrupting teaching.

The outcomes were transformational. Cardiff Met avoided £5.1m in capital spending by identifying under-used areas and deferring the need for new construction - saving 483 tonnes of embodied CO₂. It also cut direct energy costs by £250,000 a year and avoided an additional £102,000 in operational costs. The improved insight enabled reconfiguration of existing spaces to better suit students and staff, rather than building anew.

Beyond financial and environmental savings, the initiative supported student wellbeing by improving internal environments. Better air quality, thermal comfort, and space availability have contributed to a more supportive learning atmosphere, with benefits for student retention and engagement.