When we talk about smart buildings, we often look at the cost benefits associated with them. With better control of a building’s systems, such as electricity, lights, HVAC and security, building owners can save plenty of money by investing in IoT technology. But there’s another key benefit to smart buildings that people sometimes miss.
With sustainability, a key focus in all developments, both commercial and civic, the IoT and smart buildings play a huge role in creating more environmentally friendly cities. For a long time, bustling cities and huge buildings have been seen as an enemy to the environment, so how do we change that for the better?
Using IoT technology and advanced building management systems, smart buildings are born. They’re the way of the future, and they have a key role in helping the environment.
Reducing Energy Consumption
One of the major benefits to a smart building is decreased energy consumption. Using sensors throughout the building, IoT technology allows for the real-time control of the building’s environment. That means temperature, humidity, ventilation and lighting can all be monitored and adjusted according to the building’s occupancy and requirements.
This reduces energy consumption considerably because a building only needs lights where people are. The temperature can be controlled smoothly, rather than just pumping heat into a building all day. By lowering emissions, smart buildings contribute to the health of the environment.
Smart Buildings Can Generate Their Own Power
Smart buildings not only use less power, but they’re capable of generating their own energy sources. As an example, good smart building software helps to control the distribution of energy. So, if a smart building is equipped with solar electricity, the system can deliver power where it’s needed most, ensuring maximum efficiency.
Playing a Role in Smart Cities
When you think about the main services within city areas, such as water and energy, they exist to serve buildings. The only issue is, smart building technology needs to be compatible with those existing services.
But what if people start building more and more smart buildings in a city? With disruptive energy providers on hand, there’s a real opportunity for buildings to essentially talk to each to better control energy requirements in a city area. In essence, this is the making of a smart city.
The IoT Informs Future Sustainability Measures
IoT technology is at the heart of all smart building software, and it plays a key role in the future of our environmental impact. The data collected in a smart building is so immense, and reporting is so clear and easy that building owners and developers can get a clear picture of what their building needs. Not just their building, but future developments in the area.
As our cities continue to evolve, the IoT will continue to play a huge role. Smart buildings are impressive enough, but sustainability targets mean that cities themselves will need to become smarter. Decreasing energy use and making better decisions for our environment is a responsibility everyone will carry into the future.