In this guest column, Rishi Lodhia, Managing Director of Eagle Eye Networks, and Xander van Baarsen, General Manager at Rhino, explore how smart technology is reshaping student housing. By integrating real-time security and building management solutions, operators can deliver healthier, safer, and more efficient living spaces for students.

The Connection Between Well-being and Operational Excellence

Student accommodations shape the university experience. These spaces affect daily life, academic success, and personal development. A well-managed building supports safety, comfort, and stability—essential factors for thriving students.

Technology now makes this more achievable. Smart monitoring systems provide real-time insights into energy use, air quality, and security. This data equips housing providers to act faster, manage more efficiently, and meet today’s expectations without compromise.

Smarter Building Management for a Better Student Experience

The demand for sustainable and safe housing is growing, and traditional management methods often fall short. Smart systems offer a clear path forward through continuous monitoring and actionable data.

Air quality sensors detect CO₂ levels, humidity, and ventilation performance. Remote energy tracking ensures systems run efficiently and avoid unnecessary waste. These technologies give managers the information they need to respond before issues escalate—minimizing disruption and maximizing livability.

Security and Comfort Without Intrusion

Security plays a key role in student well-being. Cloud-based video surveillance and AI-powered alerts allow building managers, property operators, or housing providers to monitor spaces effectively, without the need for traditional, bulky security cameras or security guards. This technology enables continuous monitoring while respecting students' privacy and minimizing physical intrusion. It helps reduce problems like unauthorized access to buildings, loud disturbances in common areas, or safety concerns during late-night hours. By addressing these potential issues early, students are free from unnecessary distractions—allowing them to focus more fully on their studies, social activities, and overall well-being.

Preventive Maintenance: Reducing Costs and Ensuring Consistency

Unexpected maintenance issues—like heating system failures or leaks—can disrupt building operations and inconvenience residents. Without timely detection, minor irregularities often grow into expensive repairs and service outages.

Predictive maintenance is an approach that uses real-time data to monitor building systems and identify potential issues before they escalate. On-site facility managers and maintenance teams rely on this data to spot early warning signs—such as unusual energy spikes, ventilation issues, or equipment wear. With automated alerts and pattern recognition, staff can address problems before they disrupt operations. This reduces the risk of system failures, improves reliability, and keeps repair costs in check.

A Holistic Approach to Housing

Today’s students expect more than just a roof over their heads. They want accommodation that reflects their values—safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible. Housing providers are responding by integrating systems that address all three.

AI-driven security systems help housing staff detect risks in real time. Environmental sensors enable facilities teams to monitor and maintain air quality. Energy tools allow building managers to optimize performance without sacrificing comfort. Together, these systems support a more intentional and responsive housing model—one that reflects the expectations of today’s students.

Engaging Students Through Data-Driven Behavior Change

Smart building technology isn’t only about operational efficiency—it also empowers residents to take part in sustainability. By integrating utility consumption data into tenant experience platforms, such as apps already used by students for housing or campus services, operators can foster awareness and behavior change without adding friction. Rhino has observed that simply sharing live consumption data—covering electricity, gas, and water—can drive reductions ranging from 9% to as high as 39%. Remarkably, many students make these changes without financial incentives, as utilities are often bundled into rent. The key lies in visibility and engagement: When students see the impact of their habits, they tend to adjust naturally—supporting both their values and broader environmental goals.

Why Students Care About Sustainability

Today’s students care about sustainability—not just in their education, but in how and where they live. According to the Deloitte Global 2023 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, nearly 60% of Gen Zs and Millennials say they’ve already changed their behaviors or relationships with businesses based on environmental impact. These generations increasingly expect brands, institutions—and even housing providers—to take climate action seriously. For housing providers, this means

sustainability isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s a baseline requirement to attract and retain students who align their values with where they choose to live.

Future-proofing Through Smarter Management

Smart building management isn’t optional anymore—it’s a baseline. Students, universities, and investors all expect housing that prioritizes both well-being and sustainability.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards—a framework used to evaluate a building’s environmental impact, social responsibility, and management practices—are becoming increasingly important. While not always mandatory, many universities and housing providers adopt ESG principles to meet investor expectations, demonstrate accountability, and appeal to environmentally conscious students.

Housing providers, property managers, and building management teams rely on smart monitoring systems to gather the data needed for ESG reporting. These tools support transparency, regulatory compliance, and long-term cost control—while reinforcing a commitment to sustainability and student well-being.

Providers that embrace these systems position themselves for long-term success—serving the needs of today’s students while preparing for what’s next.

‍