The Financial Case for Real-Time Estate Efficiency in Higher Education
2025 Insight Report

This insight report explores how a real-time data-driven approach to space management can unlock substantial financial, operational, and sustainability gains for higher education institutions

Universities across the UK face rising operating costs and tightening budgets. After staff, the estate remains the largest expense, yet much of it is underutilised.

Report Highlights

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Property operating costs have risen 35% in two years, with energy up 107% and maintenance spend at £855m annually.

 Average academic space occupancy is just 16–22%, meaning many campus areas are delivering little or no return.

IoT sensors, occupancy analytics, and digital twins enable universities to measure, visualise, and optimise their estates for lasting efficiency.

Predictive maintenance alone can reduce costs by 20–40%, while smarter scheduling and consolidation can yield six- to seven-figure annual savings.

Beyond cost control, real-time estate data strengthens ESG performance, improves the student experience, and supports evidence-based planning.

Every unnecessary square metre represents cost, carbon, and complexity. With the right intelligence, it becomes opportunity

Download the full insight report to explore the financial case for real-time estate efficiency in UK higher education.