The Internet of Things (IoT) has changed the way commercial buildings perform for occupants, facility managers, and owners. IoT-powered building management systems combined with smart building analytics offer remarkable insight into building equipment, maintenance, energy use, air quality, and building system integration.
We have barely scratched the surface of what IoT technologies can do, and evolving smart building IoT trends are providing new ways of optimizing efficiency and streamlining operations.
IoT is a network of devices, sensors, and equipment that communicate with each other to gather data, analyze it and create an action. For buildings, this includes data from key equipment like lighting, security, and HVAC systems.
As this technology matures and smart systems become a crucial part of new construction and retrofits, new possibilities and advancing best practices are emerging. This article outlines smart building trends you should implement in 2021.
1. Software over hardware
If you want to convert your building into a smart building, you don’t need a hardware overhaul. Modern smart building solutions require a few new hardware upgrades, and they can easily integrate with your existing gadgets and machines. All you need is a smart building expert like McKinstry Wireless to reconfigure a few of them.
2. Indoor air monitoring and control
Great indoor air quality is crucial for a better working environment. Intelligent HVAC control makes monitoring and controlling indoor air quality easy and convenient. Smart sensors can detect the presence of heat, humidity, and gases like carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen, which allows the HVAC system to monitor indoor air quality without manual intervention. For instance, if the intelligent sensors detect too much heat coming from the conference hall, it can increase the airflow into that room.
3. Energy efficiency
Apart from providing a healthy indoor climate, modern solutions can also help to improve energy efficiency. Amidst rising environmental challenges and utility costs, the quest for efficient use of energy is showing no signs of slowing down. Smart building technology promises to play a central role in energy conservation and reducing global carbon footprint.
IoT provides access to real-time monitoring of water, electricity, and gas meters. Building managers and owners can utilize IoT data to achieve greater efficiency with decentralized, on-demand equipment control, which considers real-time indoor conditions, along with the behaviors and preferences of the occupants. For instance, a smart HVAC will turn off the ventilation when the building is empty. Additionally, smart building systems can detect malfunctioning or underperforming equipment that can be replaced or repaired to save energy.
4. Remote management
Another characteristic of smart buildings is remote management. You can remotely control the security, lighting, and ventilation, and shut all the entrances remotely with a click of a button.
5. Agile smart workspace
Emerging trends like co-working and remote working have taken the world by storm. As businesses embrace changing priorities and new ways of working, the modern workplace is poised to evolve. IoT traffic flow data and occupancy monitoring allows building owners and businesses to gauge how different areas of the building are being utilized. This information can help them to increase efficiency and fulfill the need for more agile work settings.
Endnote
The increasing number of smart buildings is beneficial to both workers and the planet. You can improve the indoor climate, improve energy efficiency and enhance security by implementing these solutions.