How Robust Network Connectivity Impacts Commercial Building Health and Longevity

Many property owners and facility teams seek innovative solutions to address tenants’ rapidly changing technology needs. The biggest challenge is remaining focused on the one item that directly impacts a commercial building’s health, adaptability, and lifecycle: Network Connectivity.

Over the last five years, the built environment has seen technology needs grow from basic connectivity to the Internet to the widespread adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT). While remote working has declined slightly in the post-pandemic era, over 32 million workers, or nearly 22% of the US workforce, will work remotely by the end of 2025¹.

During the same timeframe, sustainability concerns resulted in the first statewide green building code (California) and local green building codes across more than 500 cities. The most prominent organizations for green building codes include.

The U.S Green Building Council (USGBC)

The International Code Council (ICC)

The Green Building Initiative (GBI)

Green building codes are typically tailored to meet the local environment’s challenges and goals² but usually include energy efficiency, water conservation, and recycled or recyclable materials.

Improving Network Connectivity

Traditional cable trays or raceways hide the massive number of data cables running from the server room to each workstation or connection point across much of the built environment. Due to their location above the ceiling or within the slab, these cabling systems can’t be easily upgraded without a major construction project and tenant inconvenience. As technology changes and tenants come and go throughout the building’s lifecycle, this expensive and time-consuming process might have to be repeated dozens of times.

Reducing future construction costs and improving network connectivity in the built environment presents significant challenges for property owners and facility teams. Raised access flooring systems are one solution being rapidly deployed across the AEC industry (Architects, Engineers, Contractors). These systems use modular components to raise the finished floor height, creating a small airspace above the concrete slab. By relocating the tenant’s data cabling from traditional cable trays to this new space, facility teams can quickly access any cable or connection point for maintenance, upgrades, or complete reconfiguration needs.

Access floor systems are ideal for improving network connectivity and reducing future construction costs. For example, the Gridd Adaptive Cabling Distribution® is available in two standard heights (1.6″ and 2.75″). This allows Gridd to work for virtually any project in the built environment without affecting ceiling heights or structural elements while providing maximum flexibility for future changes.

Gridd uses only 100% USA steel to provide unmatched durability and strength while meeting fire safety codes for public spaces. Gridd’s modular construction allows the system to be completely disassembled and moved to another physical location, retaining your initial investment. Steel is easily recyclable, and it can assist with meeting sustainable building criteria such as LEED points. Gridd is efficient to assemble, at a rate of 1000 sq foot per installer per day. Lastly, today’s Gridd components are 100% compatible with Gridd products installed twenty years ago.

In addition to handling your data cabling needs, Gridd Power® provides power management flexibility through an integrated 50-amp modular bus system designed and approved to work seamlessly with the Gridd Raised Flooring System. Currently, Gridd Power is available in three configurations to meet a company’s power needs while increasing system flexibility for future growth and expansion.

Field Wired—With this option, home run circuits must still connect to the primary or central panel. However, the MX cabling is now installed within the raised flooring system, not in the walls or attic (plenum) space above the finished ceiling.

Modular Branch Circuit—Typically, the power tracks are installed at a maximum of 48’ on center and use up to 24′ whip to power any desired service location.

50 Amp Modular Power Distribution—This option provides 50-amp, 3-phase power connectivity throughout the area at 20-25′ intervals. Ideal for large open offices and shared and multi-use spaces, it offers the most significant design flexibility for the AEC industry.

Another upgrade feature, Gridd Mobile^®, is an Augmented Reality (AR) technology app that allows you to test, upgrade, isolate, or modify your cable networks to meet the changing needs of tenants. Gridd Mobile provides a centralized data location for all your cable and power management files. The intuitive interface allows workers, contractors, designers, and engineers to quickly access all the project details using a smartphone or tablet.

How Your Commercial Building Can Thrive with Greater Cable Readiness and Connectivity

When using a raised access floor, when the data (and power) cabling has been relocated, facility teams can access any connection point or cable within the area by removing the modular floor finish/carpet tiles. This improved access dramatically lowers future maintenance and construction costs typically associated with:

Technology and power upgrades to meet tenant needs.
Adaptable workspaces that can extend a building’s perceived value and longevity.
More robust and competitive business toolsets and improved building data collection.
Broad network connectivity that can support in-person and remote workers.
Improved network visibility for faster troubleshooting and changes.
Incorporating Building Management Systems (BMS) into the built environment for improved building access and security.

Due to changing workforce needs, commercial properties that can provide robust connectivity options for tenants will have higher occupancy rates than those without. As business technology evolves, quick access to data cables and connection points will become paramount for property owners, facility teams, and tenants. Additionally, raised access flooring systems can help property owners and facility teams address sustainability issues while reducing ongoing maintenance and construction costs across the building’s lifecycle.