How IoT transforms building sustainability and performance

In an era where sustainability is a pressing concern, businesses and organisations are seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint and improve the performance of their buildings. One solution that has garnered significant attention is the implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) technology. By harnessing the power of IoT, buildings can become more intelligent, responsive, and ultimately more sustainable.

The importance of sustainability

Before exploring the ways in which IoT can enhance building performance, it is crucial to acknowledge the significance of sustainability. Buildings and construction account for a staggering 37% of global carbon emissions. To meet net-zero emissions targets, reducing energy waste is of utmost importance. Additionally, with the projected doubling of the global building floor area by 2060, it is imperative for both existing and new buildings to prioritise energy efficiency.

Understanding occupancy levels with IoT sensors

A key approach through which IoT can enhance building efficiency is by utilising smart sensors. By installing IoT sensors in a space, real-time insights into occupancy levels can be obtained, allowing for the optimisation of building usage. This data can inform energy usage, ensuring that energy is not wasted in unoccupied areas.

Moreover, environmental sensors can generate heat maps, offering a real-time snapshot of a building's environment. This enables easy identification of areas falling outside the optimal range, thereby improving both efficiency and occupant health and wellbeing.

"By implementing IoT sensors, we were able to optimise our energy usage and reduce wasted energy, resulting in a significant reduction in carbon emissions." - Testimonial from Intel's PTK1 building in Israel.

Smart lighting for energy efficiency

Lighting alone accounts for 17% of energy consumption in commercial buildings. To address this, IoT platforms provide smart lighting solutions that can significantly enhance energy efficiency. With IoT-enabled lighting, buildings can manage light sensors and optimise energy usage based on specific times of the day.

For instance, smart lighting systems can adjust the luminosity level of LED lights for different areas at different times, depending on usage. This not only saves energy but also leads to substantial cost savings. The Edge, a smart office building in Amsterdam, installed a lighting system that reportedly resulted in an annual reduction of $100,000 in energy costs.

Enhanced efficiency with smart lifts

IoT technology can revolutionise the way people travel between floors in high-rise buildings. Traditionally, lifts consume significant amounts of energy by stopping at multiple floors. However, with IoT-enabled smart lifts, passengers can input their desired floor, and the system directs them to the lift that will take them there with the fewest stops. By reducing the number of stops, smart lifts consume less energy, thereby making the entire building more energy efficient.

Bee'ah's headquarters exemplify the power of smart lifts in optimising energy usage. The building features "contactless pathways" where employees can order lifts from their smartphones, streamlining their experience while minimising energy consumption.

Improve health and wellbeing with smart sensors

Indoor air quality plays a vital role in occupant health, wellbeing, and productivity. IoT sensors can monitor key air quality parameters such as temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM2.5). By continuously monitoring these parameters, building managers can optimise indoor air quality, leading to numerous benefits:

• Preventing Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)
• Reducing absenteeism
• Future-proofing the space
• Attracting and retaining employees

"Since implementing IoT sensors, we have seen a significant improvement in indoor air quality, resulting in healthier and more productive employees." - St Johns Primary School

Optimise energy usage with real-time data

One of the most significant advantages of IoT technology in building sustainability is the access to real-time data. By digitising the space and leveraging IoT technologies, building performance can be monitored, inefficiencies can be detected, automatic adjustments can be made, and better decision making can be facilitated.

With real-time data, areas of energy waste can be identified, prompt remedial action can be taken, and carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced. Intel's PTK1 building in Israel is a prime example, with 14,000 sensors generating up to 100 terabytes of data per day. This data-driven approach has made the building 40% more energy-efficient than a regular office building, while also achieving a 75% reduction in water consumption.

The role of IoT in sustainable building design

IoT has a significant role to play in sustainable building design. By integrating IoT technology from the initial stages of construction, buildings can be designed to optimise energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and overall sustainability. For example, IoT-enabled building management systems (BMS) can continuously analyse data and make real-time adjustments to ensure optimal energy performance.

Additionally, IoT technology can facilitate the seamless integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, into building systems. This not only reduces reliance on traditional energy sources but also promotes a greener and more sustainable future.

The Future of IoT in Building Sustainability

As the world becomes increasingly aware of the need for sustainability, IoT will continue to play a crucial role in transforming building performance. The ability to monitor, analyse, and optimise energy usage in real-time offers immense potential for reducing carbon emissions, improving occupant comfort, and achieving significant cost savings.

With advancements in IoT technology, buildings of the future will become smarter, more energy-efficient, and ultimately more sustainable. By embracing IoT solutions, businesses and organisations can contribute to the global efforts towards a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly future.

"Implementing IoT technology in our buildings has been a game-changer. We have not only achieved significant energy savings but also created a more sustainable and comfortable environment for our employees." - Blenheim

Conclusion

In conclusion, IoT technology has the power to revolutionise building sustainability and performance. By leveraging the capabilities of smart sensors, smart lighting, smart lifts, and real-time data analysis, buildings can become more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and occupant-centric.

The future of building design lies in the integration of IoT technologies from the outset, ensuring that sustainability is at the core of the construction process. As businesses and organisations prioritise sustainability, IoT will continue to pave the way for a greener and more efficient built environment.

So, join the sustainability revolution and embrace the transformative power of IoT in building performance. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Citations:

Intel Corporation. (n.d.). Energy-Efficient Buildings: Powering Sustainable Solutions. Retrieved from https://www.intel.co.uk/content/www

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