How BT & Cisco's Better Workplace Programme Cuts Emissions

BT is a dominant force in the global communications sector and ranks as one of the UK's largest employers.

This means the company has an extensive, nationwide influence, profoundly impacting its engagement with environmental objectives through building management and design strategies.

Embracing innovative technologies and rethinking spatial utility via its Better Workplace programme, BT is transitioning towards a flexible, sustainable and technologically forward business model.

Shrinking footprints in smarter spaces

BT’s Better Workplace programme is pivotal in redefining the conventional office environment.

The programme's goal is twofold: revamp operational practices and accentuate employee wellness, all while curbing the ecological footprint.

Central to this initiative is the transformation of workplaces into zones of collaboration reflected in the design of new regional hubs.

With a pronounced shift towards hybrid work models, these hubs aim to provide flexible spaces that adapt according to usage.

Furthermore, BT engages directly in refining cutting-edge ideas in smart building designs that encompass everything from energy consumption patterns to air quality improvements – initiatives from which both the company and its clientele could reap benefits.From an ecological standpoint, the main advantage of the Better Workplace programme is seen in the significant reduction of its office sites from 300 to 30, effectively diminishing both operational emissions and commuting inefficiencies.

Moreover, the utilisation of a shared, secure network across this streamlined hub model minimises unnecessary travel and optimises energy use by leveraging automated technologies and rich usage data.

The new BT head office at One Braham in London serves as a key example. 

This flagship site, which can house 3,500 employees, epitomises the very concept of spatial flexibility which allows staff to commute between home and office seamlessly.

“One Braham is a transformational opportunity, not just in terms of office space but also in how colleagues interact,” says Colin Bannon, Global Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at BT. 

“Having a great colleague experience is important to us. It will allow us to learn, grow and remain relevant.”

Smart infrastructure for sustainable designs

The underpinning of these high-tech hubs includes a comprehensive suite of technologies provided by Cisco, supported throughout by Cisco Customer Experience (CX).

This technological spine is crafted to diminish energy usage significantly, automate core network functions and respond to real-time usage behaviours.

Tools like Cisco Spaces and Kontact IO sensors enrich BT building management by presenting data on room occupancy and traffic patterns, which then informs decisions like adjusting cleaning timelines, closing off underused areas or reallocating spaces based on evolving needs.

“CX is instrumental in helping us get the most out of the Cisco components,” Colin comments. 

“Whether that is lifecycle management, user adoption or network design.”

The benefits of hybrid work 

At the heart of BT’s new office design is the principle of mobility.

At One Braham, employees can choose where they work inside the building on any given day.

Resources such as meeting rooms and desks can be booked through an app, which also enables users to locate their colleagues easily, supporting a highly flexible and efficient work model.

This setup not only supports the adaptability of hybrid work models but also ensures the office space is utilised to its full potential with minimal energy wastage.

“A brilliant user experience is key to building trust and, as a service business, trust is supremely important,” says Colin.

This digital infrastructure mirrors the concept of having a 'digital twin' for each employee, which ensures that the moment someone steps into the building, they can seamlessly integrate into the work environment with systems pre-adjusted to their presence and prepared for immediate productivity.

“What we wanted was a persona-based design rather than a set of custom configurations,” explains Colin.

“The Cisco approach establishes finely grained access control, linked to an identity, with a security wrap. We are using Umbrella and ThousandEyes to create a near digital twin for each employee. 

“It means we're able to constantly health check the network, so when users come into the building it's fully fit and ready to go.

“This is a journey without an end. The finish line keeps moving forward. We're in lockstep with Cisco on that journey. We want to continue to grow and innovate together.”

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