Why the Next Generation of Buildings Will Integrate Software-Driven EV Charging by Default
Every parking space in your next commercial or residential development will need to support electric vehicles. As a C-level executive or developer, you’re designing for a world where EV charging infrastructure sits alongside Wi-Fi and HVAC as a baseline utility. What makes charging different is the power demand, revenue potential, and software requirements needed to integrate with existing energy systems. Why will EV charging become a default feature in buildings? Three forces are converging: tenant expectations, regulatory pressure, and fleet operator demands, reshaping how developers approach parking infrastructure. How tenant, employee, and EV fleet expectations are reshaping building design Tenants ask about EV charging before signing leases. At the same time, employees expect workplace charging as part of their compensation package. Fleet operators take this a step further by excluding sites without dedicated charging capacity from their location searches. Consider what’s happening in major markets. Norway passed 90% EV share of new car sales in 2023, while California mandates that all new car sales be zero-emission by 2035. As a result, properties without charging infrastructure lose tenants to competitors who planned ahead. Adding chargers after construction costs significantly more than building infrastructure from the start: Planning for charging during initial design saves capital and avoids operational disruptions. For CTOs and product leaders at building management platforms, understanding these market dynamics helps position offerings correctly. What does software-driven EV charging look like inside a building? Software transforms charging infrastructure from basic electrical service into intelligent energy systems. In practice, this means buildings manage power differently, coordinate with other systems better, and adapt to changing conditions faster. Smart charging and load management on top of the limited grid capacity Your building’s electrical service has a ceiling. Twenty EV chargers pulling maximum power simultaneously can trip breakers or trigger costly demand charges. An EV charging management system monitors total building demand and adjusts charger output dynamically. Smart charging and load management capabilities include: This dynamic balancing keeps buildings under demand limits without expensive service upgrades while eliminating conflicts over access. Coordinating EV charging infrastructure with HVAC, solar, and storage Buildings run multiple energy assets that must work together rather than compete for the same electrons. Here are the regulated energy assets requiring coordination: Without coordination, these systems work against each other. For instance, solar exports to the grid while chargers import expensive peak power. Similarly, storage charges during high-price hours when it should discharge. Integration with building energy management systems (BEMS) solves this. The BEMS sees solar production, battery state of charge, time-of-use tariffs, and EV charging demand, then orchestrates everything to minimize cost and maximize onsite energy use. When solar output peaks, EV charging ramps up automatically. Conversely, when the grid sends demand response signals, chargers pause and storage discharges. This coordination requires APIs and event-driven architecture. In other words, your EV charging software must communicate with BEMS, metering systems, and utility tariff feeds through compatible protocols. How can an EV software development company integrate charging with building systems? Integration creates control loops responding to building conditions in real time. As a result, these loops enable operational capabilities that weren’t available before. Connecting EV charging management software with BEMS and metering EV charging management software for buildings exchanges data and control signals with existing systems through a structured flow: Step 1: Session initiation and authentication Step 2: Real-time load monitoring Step 3: Dynamic power allocation Step 4: Session logging and billing Step 5: Reporting and analytics Submetering becomes critical in mixed-use buildings where retail, office, and residential tenants share parking. In these cases, the software tracks which vehicles are charged and allocates costs accordingly. Using APIs and event-driven architecture to sync tariffs, access control, and reporting Building operators need flexibility as utility tariffs change seasonally, access policies differ by user type, and reporting requirements vary by region. Event-driven architecture provides several key capabilities: This approach supports new use cases as they emerge. For example, offering dynamic pricing for EV charging in buildings becomes possible without system overhauls. Likewise, adding vehicle-to-grid capability later works because event architecture already handles bidirectional power flow. Partnering with an experienced EV software development company ensures these integrations are designed correctly from the start. What new business models appear when buildings run software-driven EV charging? Software-enabled charging infrastructure creates revenue opportunities that basic electrical service couldn’t support. Dynamic pricing, shared public/tenant charging, and workplace EV fleet charging Dynamic pricing aligns incentives better than fixed rates: Shared charging opens additional revenue streams. Parking garages serve tenants during the day and public users at night, while software manages access, pricing, and billing automatically. EV fleet charging in depots and workplaces adds another layer. Delivery companies leasing space need reliable charging without overpaying for peak power: These models work because EV software development supports flexible pricing, access control, and billing across user types. Preparing building sites for vehicle-to-grid and flexibility markets by design Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) turns parked cars into distributed energy resources. When grid demand spikes, vehicles discharge stored energy back to the building or grid, allowing property owners to earn revenue. Pilot programs operate in California, the UK, and Denmark. Designing vehicle-to-grid ready architecture in buildings requires: Buildings with onsite storage, solar, and V2G-ready architecture become energy hubs buying power when cheap and selling when prices spike. What should developers and operators ask from EV charging software solutions? Selecting the right platform requires evaluating current capabilities and future-readiness. The choices you make now will affect building competitiveness for years to come. Requirements checklist for scalable, building-ready EV charging infrastructure Start with scalability questions. Can the platform handle ten chargers today and a hundred next year? Does it support multiple sites under one account? Can it integrate with existing property management and billing systems? Beyond these basics, key technical requirements include: Access and authentication: Monitoring and analytics: Integration and reporting: Interoperability matters. Your EV charging management system should work with chargers from multiple hardware vendors to avoid lock-in and protect your investment through open protocols. How to evaluate an EV
Mears will work on 11,500 homes across west-central Birmingham
Birmingham City Council is overhauling the way its council housing is maintained, appointing a new group of contractors to take responsibility for long-term repairs and investment across the city. From July 2026, Equans, Wates and Mears will deliver day-to-day repairs, planned maintenance and improvement works across around 60,000 council homes. The appointments form part of a new 10-year framework arrangement, split across four city regions and potentially worth up to £3bn, with an option to extend for a further five years. Under the new framework, Equans will retain one of the three lots it previously held, while Wates has emerged as the largest winner, securing two lots with a combined value of up to £1.75bn over the life of the contracts. Mears completes the new trio of delivery partners. Willmott Dixon-owned Fortem, which has provided housing maintenance services in south Birmingham for 18 years, will exit the programme when its current contract ends this summer. The contracts cover a broad range of services, including responsive repairs, kitchen and bathroom replacements, wider planned maintenance programmes and the preparation of empty homes ready for new tenants. Birmingham City Council said the new delivery model has been shaped by extensive tenant feedback and is intended to provide a more flexible, responsive and modern service. A key feature will be the introduction of a fully digitised repairs journey, giving tenants clearer communication around planned works, timeframes and any changes to appointments, as well as greater ability to rearrange visits. New digital systems will also be used to monitor the condition of homes more effectively and support programmes to improve energy efficiency, helping to make properties warmer and cheaper to heat. Councillor Nicky Brennan, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said the new contracts represent a reset in how repairs and maintenance are delivered and monitored. She added that tenants should see improved communication, more responsive services and continued investment in kitchens, bathrooms and energy efficiency measures across the council’s housing stock. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Birmingham reshapes £3bn housing repairs programme with new contractor line-up
Birmingham City Council is overhauling the way its council housing is maintained, appointing a new group of contractors to take responsibility for long-term repairs and investment across the city. From July 2026, Equans, Wates and Mears will deliver day-to-day repairs, planned maintenance and improvement works across around 60,000 council homes. The appointments form part of a new 10-year framework arrangement, split across four city regions and potentially worth up to £3bn, with an option to extend for a further five years. Under the new framework, Equans will retain one of the three lots it previously held, while Wates has emerged as the largest winner, securing two lots with a combined value of up to £1.75bn over the life of the contracts. Mears completes the new trio of delivery partners. 10-year Birmingham housing maintenance lots City region New partner Previous holder Value East Equans Equans £619m North Wates Equans £451m South Wates Fortem £1.3bn West Central Mears Equans £607m Willmott Dixon-owned Fortem, which has provided housing maintenance services in south Birmingham for 18 years, will exit the programme when its current contract ends this summer. The contracts cover a broad range of services, including responsive repairs, kitchen and bathroom replacements, wider planned maintenance programmes and the preparation of empty homes ready for new tenants. Birmingham City Council said the new delivery model has been shaped by extensive tenant feedback and is intended to provide a more flexible, responsive and modern service. A key feature will be the introduction of a fully digitised repairs journey, giving tenants clearer communication around planned works, timeframes and any changes to appointments, as well as greater ability to rearrange visits. New digital systems will also be used to monitor the condition of homes more effectively and support programmes to improve energy efficiency, helping to make properties warmer and cheaper to heat. Councillor Nicky Brennan, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said the new contracts represent a reset in how repairs and maintenance are delivered and monitored. She added that tenants should see improved communication, more responsive services and continued investment in kitchens, bathrooms and energy efficiency measures across the council’s housing stock.
New year safety initiative is stark reminder for construction workers
Hertfordshire-based Ashe Group held a hard-hitting safety event across all its construction sites recently to remind workers to be vigilant to the safety risks. Health and safety is the top priority for Ashe and with workers returning after the Christmas break, the company wanted to start the new year with the focus firmly on the health and safety of all those involved in its projects. The Stand Down for Safety event saw all of Ashe Construction and Ashe Roofing’s sites stop work simultaneously for an hour to watch a hard-hitting safety talk by motivational speaker, Paul Blanchard. Paul spoke emotionally about a life-changing injury 15 years ago which left him paraplegic and wheelchair bound. Paul reminded everyone not to be complacent and explained that despite being an experienced builder and trained in health and safety, he made the fateful decision to work at height without assessing the risks and fell 12 feet. He described the toll his accident has taken on him and his family. Paul is now an ambassador for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). Ian Berrie, health and safety manager for Ashe explained that following the success of a similar event last year it was important to keep up the momentum. He said: “It’s very easy to return to work after the two-week break and forget about the safety of not just yourself but of your colleagues and co-workers. That’s why we felt that the new year was the ideal time to remind everyone of their responsibilities.” Each Ashe site invited all those involved in their project including subcontractors, consultants, clients and building users to get involved. Around 250 people attended the event. Ashe’s construction and quality director, Justin Howard, is responsible for health and safety and introduced the event from the University of Hertfordshire where Ashe is working on a number of contracts, he said: “Safety is not just a priority, it’s a core value that defines everything we do. “Today’s stand down was a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a real person, a real family, and a real story. Hearing first hand from someone who suffered a life-changing injury reinforces why we must never become complacent. “By pausing work at 25 projects across Ashe Group, we demonstrated our collective commitment to protecting lives and ensuring every individual goes home safe, every day. This is what true leadership in construction looks like.” The stark statistics According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE): Mark Bellchambers, director at subcontractor, Bellwood Interiors, attended the event and said: “It’s an excellent and worthwhile event that Ashe arranges each year. It’s important to hear these stories from the people who have been impacted by accidents during construction works. I have no doubt Paul’s message will hit home with everyone who attended and highlight the importance of working safely on site.” Julian Bulubenchi, director at Leidon Civil Engineering, attended the event with three of his team at Ashe’s Journeys Academy site in Hertfordshire. He said: “The session was both thought-provoking and emotional, reinforcing the importance of treating safety as a personal responsibility at all times. Paul’s message resonated strongly with everyone, encouraging us to look out not only for our own safety but also for the safety of those around us.” Ashe’s safety standards are scrutinised through regular independent assessments of processes and performance. Read about Ashe’s approach to health and safety here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Workman appoints CDM specialist Zoe Cutts as demand for building safety expertise continues to grow
Workman has appointed Zoe Cutts as Senior CDM and Building Safety Consultant as the firm responds to increasing client demand for construction design and management expertise. Zoe joins Workman’s Building Safety team, which has grown to six specialists in the past year, following considerable growth in portfolio instructions with major clients. The team has significant secured CDM Principal Designer and client advisory instructions, along with new streams of Building Safety Act advisory work, and multiple Building Safety Case Report instructions. With a professional background in health and safety and design risk management, Zoe brings extensive experience acting as CDM Principal Designer and CDM Advisor across commercial and residential projects. Her in-depth knowledge of the CDM Regulations 2015 will support Workman clients in fulfilling their legal duties, while reducing hazards and HSE intervention. Zoe will lead as CDM Principal Designer, co-ordinating design risk management and supporting designers and contractors to eliminate, reduce and control risks throughout project lifecycles. Her expertise covers the design phase through to construction, managing design risks and high-risk activities to lower residual risks on projects. The appointment reflects Workman’s commitment to building safety, following the introduction of the Building Safety Act. The firm has already achieved significant milestones with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), including one Building Assessment Certificate and one Gateway 2 approval, alongside strong dialogue with BSR representatives on applications. Amy Farr, Workman’s Head of Building Safety and Construction Compliance, said: “We’re seeing sustained demand from clients, particularly those managing large portfolios, who need clear, practical guidance on their obligations under CDM Regulations and the Building Safety Act. We’ve won major instructions from institutional clients who need support providing assets that are safe and allow their tenants to feel secure. Zoe strengthens our ability to deliver that assurance across increasingly complex projects. Her focus on eliminating risks early in the design process helps clients avoid delays, and creates safer outcomes for everyone involved.” Workman has been actively engaged in building safety discussions across the sector, with team members participating in high profile panel discussions and podcasts, with organisations including the BSR and RICS. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Material Processing Equipment: Maximizing On-Site Recycling and Waste Reduction
Construction and renovation projects generate massive amounts of waste, much of which may still hold material value. Concrete, asphalt, wood and metals often leave jobsites as garbage and debris, even though many of them can still be reused or recycled. Material processing equipment is changing how contractors approach construction waste by supporting on-site recycling, which supports cost management and sustainability goals while maintaining efficient project timelines. The Business Case for On-Site Material Processing Construction and demolition waste comprises around 30% of solid waste generated worldwide, and not all of it reaches recycling facilities. On-site material processing helps manage this volume and creates measurable benefits across various business aspects. Treating waste management as a crucial component of construction processes helps improve project outcomes in various ways. Cost Savings Disposal fees and hauling costs can account for a significant portion of a project’s waste budget. Processing materials on-site reduces the amount of garbage sent to landfills or other off-site facilities, which directly lowers transportation and disposal costs. Teams can even use crushed concrete or asphalt as construction materials, eliminating the need to buy and transport brand-new aggregates. With the amount of waste generated by construction and demolition activities, redirecting even a portion of this material back into the project can translate into significant savings over time. Handling costs can vary regionally, and many local waste management service providers already offer commercial dumpsters and equipment to move large volumes of debris. However, teams will need to consider costs associated with hauling distances or specialized material handling. Efficiency and Logistics Material processing equipment streamlines logistics by reducing truck traffic in and out of the jobsite. Fewer trips to the landfill or materials facility means less congestion and lower fuel consumption. This efficiency becomes especially important in urban areas with limited space and access. On-site recycling also shortens material supply chains. Instead of waiting for aggregate deliveries or suppliers, teams can have processed materials immediately available for use, helping them maintain momentum and meet tight deadlines. Workplace Safety and Management Managing waste piles and debris removal can be a safety concern on active construction sites. On-site processing helps create a more organized environment by consolidating waste handling into defined areas with clear workflows. These efforts can reduce clutter and minimize hazards associated with loose debris and poor material handling. Environmental Impact On-site material processing reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with hauling and landfill operations. Reusing materials like crushed concrete or processed wood lowers the demand for raw material extraction, which reduces energy use and environmental damage. This approach aligns with broader sustainability goals, including energy-efficient construction practices that prioritize sustainable material use across the entire project life cycle. Reducing waste and reusing materials on-site supports greener builds without requiring major changes to established construction methods. Regulatory Compliance Environmental regulations around waste disposal and recycling continue to develop at the federal and local levels. On-site material processing helps contractors stay ahead of compliance requirements by diverting waste from landfills and improving the documentation and practice of recycling efforts. For projects pursuing sustainability certifications or operating under municipal recycling regulations, on-site processing leads to more straightforward reporting and reduces the risk of noncompliance penalties. Meeting Green Construction Demands Clients and developers increasingly expect construction projects to prioritize environmental responsibility. The building efficiency industry revenue is already worth at least $83.05 billion in the U.S. On-site recycling is a visible and demonstrable way to meet these expectations. For green homes and energy-efficient construction projects, waste reduction complements other sustainability measures like renewable energy systems and efficient insulation. Essential On-Site Material Processing Equipment Different types of material processing equipment serve specific functions, and selecting the right mix depends on the types and amount of waste each project generates. Crushers: Breaking Down a Demolition Site Crushers are crucial in on-site recycling for demolition and heavy construction projects. Their primary function is to break large, solid materials into smaller, reusable pieces. Jaw crushers are ideal for primary crushing, as they can handle large chunks of concrete and rock. Impact crushers use high-speed forces to further break down materials and produce more uniform aggregates. Cone crushers are best for secondary or tertiary stages, refining material size and shape for more precise applications. In construction sites, crushers usually handle concrete, asphalt, brick and natural rock. After the crushers do their job, teams end up with recycled aggregates, which they can use in foundations or new concrete mixes when it aligns with project requirements. Using recycled aggregate reduces reliance on quarries, which lowers financial costs and minimizes environmental impact. Screeners: Sorting and Sizing for Reuse Screeners separate materials by size and type, ensuring that recycled outputs meet project requirements. Trommel screens use rotating drums to sort materials, making them effective for sticky, wet or trash-heavy debris. Vibrating screens, on the other hand, use oscillating motion to efficiently separate dry, crushed aggregate into different sizes. Screeners can handle a wide range of materials, including soil, compost, wood fragments, metals and various sizes of crushed rock or concrete. Proper sorting allows contractors to reuse materials more effectively by producing consistent and clean outputs. Grinders and Shredders: Processing Wood and Green Waste Wood and green waste are common byproducts of land clearing and site preparation. Grinders and shredders help transform these organic materials into usable products. Horizontal grinders use rotating hammers to reduce material size into consistent, fine material. Slow-speed shredders apply controlled torque, making them suitable for mixed organic waste and reducing wear when dealing with rough or inconsistently-sized debris. These machines help process materials like wood scraps, pallets, trees and more, creating mulch for erosion control and landscaping or compost for gardening. Integrating wood waste processing into construction workflows supports cleaner sites and more sustainable land management practices. Building a Material Processing Strategy Successful on-site recycling depends on a clear strategy that ensures material processing supports project goals. Assessing the Waste Stream A waste audit is the first step in an effective material processing plan. For construction or demolition projects, this step can involve