Smarter Buildings, Lower Costs And Better Workplaces
Running a business today is expensive.
Energy bills are unpredictable. Staff expectations are changing. Reputation lives online. And the places businesses operate from are under more pressure than ever to perform, not just exist. Sustain
For a long time, buildings were treated as background.
A fixed cost.
Something you paid for, cleaned occasionally, and rarely thought about.
That is changing.
In this episode of the 1020 Networking Podcast, Richard Martin from Blue Shield Cleaning sits down with David Spencer from The Logical Group and Johnnie Martin from Office Graphics & Window Film to talk about how modern businesses are upgrading their buildings to reduce costs, improve working environments, and protect long-term asset value.
They cover solar, batteries, lighting, window film, building appearance, and why audits are often the smartest place to start.
Energy Costs And Why Most Businesses Start In The Wrong Place
The conversation opens with David outlining what The Logical Group actually do.
At heart, they are electrical contractors. But in recent years, their work has shifted heavily toward green technologies for businesses, including solar, battery storage, EV charging, and LED lighting.
What stood out was not the technology.
It was the approach.
David explains that most businesses should not start with solar panels. They should start with understanding.
How much energy they use.
When they use it.
Where it is being wasted.
Only then does it make sense to design a solution.
Sometimes that is solar.
Sometimes it is batteries.
Sometimes it is lighting upgrades.
Sometimes it is a mix.
The key message is simple.
Clarity before installation.
Window Film Is No Longer Just About Glare
Johnnie then explains how far window film has moved beyond its old reputation.
Modern films now deal with:
reducing solar gain in summer
retaining heat in winter
balancing light without darkening rooms
screen visibility and privacy
data protection and signal control
Some films stop people seeing computer screens from outside.
Some prevent drones or cameras capturing internal activity.
Some are now specified by architects at design stage.
Like energy upgrades, Johnnie stresses that there is no standard solution.
Orientation of the building, type of glazing, internal layout and usage all change what is appropriate.
That is why every project starts with a site survey.
Not a sales pitch.
Sustainability Is Now Reputation, Recruitment And Risk
A strong theme running through the discussion is how sustainability is no longer optional.
David explains that businesses are being pushed from multiple directions.
Tender requirements.
Employee expectations.
Brand perception.
Legislation.
Clients, partners and staff all look more closely at how businesses operate.
Reducing energy use is no longer just about cost.
It is about credibility.
Doing nothing is now a visible decision.
Comfort, Wellbeing And The Spaces People Work In
The conversation then moves into something more human.
How buildings feel.
Lighting.
Temperature.
Cleanliness.
Visual design.
All of these shape mood, focus, and how people experience work.
Johnnie talks about how graphics, finishes and modern materials are increasingly used to make offices more comfortable and enjoyable.
David adds that lighting design is now built around tasks, room size and staff wellbeing, not just brightness.
The message is clear.
Workspaces affect performance.
Not just overheads.
The Outside Matters As Much As The Inside
Richard brings the focus back to something many businesses overlook.
The outside of the building.
He explains how businesses are spending far more on interiors, branding and technology, but often leave the external fabric tired, dirty or neglected.
Yet buildings are assets.
And like any asset, how they are maintained affects both perception and value.
A clean, well-kept building:
improves how staff feel arriving at work
shapes how clients judge a business before meeting anyone
protects surfaces, materials and long-term condition
Protecting the outside is not cosmetic.
It is preventative.
Collaboration Saves Money When It Is Planned
A practical thread running through the episode is access.
If scaffolding is already up for solar, it is the right time for window film.
If access is arranged for installs, it is the right moment for cleaning, proofing or roof works.
When upgrades are planned together, projects become more efficient.
Less disruption.
Lower overall cost.
Better results.
It is a simple point that saves businesses real money.
Why Audits And Surveys Come First
Across every area, the same principle kept coming back.
Do not start with solutions.
Start with understanding.
Energy audits.
Site surveys.
Usage reviews.
These are not upsells.
They are filters.
They stop businesses spending money on the wrong fix.
They allow solutions to match reality, not assumptions.
The Takeaway For Business Owners
This episode was not about technology.
It was about performance.
Buildings influence:
energy spend
staff comfort
brand perception
asset value
For many owners, premises are treated as background noise.
This conversation shows why they probably should not be.
Understanding your building is now part of understanding your business.
About 1020 Networking
1020 Networking is a curated business network for professionals who value trust, integrity, and meaningful growth.
It is built for people who do what they say, reward introductions, and want to grow together.
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