Last week, the 2025 Class Conference in Lisbon brought together the biggest and brightest names in Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) – and what an event it was. As proud ESG sponsors, Utopi were there in force, connecting with industry leaders, partners, and innovators who share our passion for creating more efficient, sustainable, and connected living environments.
From start to finish, the atmosphere was charged with collaboration and forward thinking. The discussions around operational efficiency, ESG performance, and the evolving expectations of today’s students reaffirmed why PBSA remains one of the most dynamic sectors in real estate. For Utopi, it was an incredible opportunity to demonstrate how our data-driven ESG solutions continue to shape the conversation and set new standards for performance and impact.
Hiding in Plain Sight: Why a Lack of Data is Costing the PBSA Sector Millions a Year
A highlight of the conference was our interactive workshop, “Hiding in Plain Sight”, where we explored how much energy is being wasted on a daily basis in the sector, and how these inefficiencies are silently draining value from the real estate market.
Together with delegates, we brought real data and real case studies to life and uncovered how everyday operational insights—granular, room-level insights—can reveal inefficiencies, drive measurable improvements, and enhance resident experience. From identifying energy anomalies to optimising maintenance schedules, our real-world data stories showed how visibility leads directly to action and results.
From behavioural insights and industry benchmarking to uncovering bit coin mining and ironing services data stories, we showcased the power of granular insights, and how dynamic the Utopi data set is at 32 billion environmental data points. The key takeaway? The waste is there in your portfolio; it’s just hidden without the right data behind you. And that’s the problem Utopi aim to solve.
We were thrilled by the engagement and thoughtful questions from attendees, reinforcing the industry’s appetite for innovation and transparency. As Utopi continues to expand our technology and partnerships, our mission remains clear: to empower operators with meaningful ESG data that streamlines decision-making, enhances performance, and drives long-term value.
Lisbon reminded us that collaboration and insight are the keys to progress—and we’re proud to be at the forefront of that journey.