Imagine walking into your workspace and the lighting and temperature are consistently in the most comfortable setting — warm in winter, cool in summer and the lighting set for comfort and productivity. What if this perfect scenario actually conserved more energy and reduced costs?
For the occupants of smart buildings, this is not just possible — it is now reality.
What is a smart building?
A smart building uses automated processes to control the building’s systems. To better illustrate this, think of a smart building as a living, breathing organism. The building has a brain, known as the building management system (BMS). This controls other parts of the building’s body — HVAC systems, lighting, plumbing, processing equipment, access control systems, wayfinding, digital signage, and security systems.
Just as a healthy body ensures all organs are running smoothly and efficiently, the same can be said about a smart building. It will use automation to ensure the building grid is flexible, healthy, productive, and energy- and cost-efficient.
The compound benefits of smart building technology
The number of commercial buildings with smart building technology is predicted to grow to about 3 billion by 2025 according to Memoori, a smart building research firm. Some of the highest rates of growth will be seen in sensors and people-tracking devices.
It’s easy to understand this increase given the benefits smart buildings bring. As reported in Albany Business Review, buildings that enable smart building technology can reduce costs by an average of 15% and create an environment that reduces energy waste and stimulates employee productivity. Let’s take a closer look at some smart building benefits.
- Increased Energy Efficiency
Smart building technology provides visibility into inefficient systems and equipment and can make real-time adjustments to reduce energy consumption. For example, smart buildings can control light and HVAC settings to turn them on, off, or adjust them based on occupancy or the amount of natural sunlight in the room. Buildings that have large refrigerators can run them at off-peak times to decrease energy usage and costs. - Reduced Operating and Maintenance Costs
A smart building can perform automatic checks for equipment or lamp failure and can notify personnel when preventive maintenance or replacement is necessary. This cuts down on manual service checks. Proactive maintenance also helps reduce costly downtime needed for reactive maintenance. - Improved Occupant Comfort and Health
Smart buildings have advanced climate and lighting controls that help improve indoor air quality and lighting levels. They can record carbon dioxide and particulates in the air and alert operators of high levels. Also, smart buildings with occupancy sensors know where occupants are located and can help owners understand occupancy trends. - Visualised Data Insights and Analytics
An important benefit of smart building technology is the ability to collect a large amount of data that can be analysed to make decisions. Building owners can see how much energy is used in real time and how much it costs. Oftentimes, it’s difficult for organisations to invest in equipment or systems where they can’t see an impact. Smart buildings provide accurate, real-time data that shows impact. This helps organisations make investment decisions on similar improvements across buildings.
What Types of Technology Make a Smart Building “Smart”?
Smart buildings rely on several technologies, such as:
Building Management Systems (BMS)
A BMS, also known as a building automation system, is a computer-based system that integrates and controls a building’s systems. It is the brain or central hub of a smart building that tells equipment what to do. It ensures operations run securely and efficiently.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The IoT is a network of physical connected devices that “talk” to each other by exchanging data. The IoT connects the technology in a smart building. In addition to meters that collect and analyze data, IoT devices include:
- Sensors
Electronic, infrared, thermal, and proximity sensors collect electronic signals that are then interpreted by humans or AI. In a smart building, sensors may be installed to monitor power consumption, lighting, occupancy, temperature, and more.
- Actuators
This is a device that uses power to convert a control signal into mechanical motion. In smart buildings, they are used in locks, blinds, solar panels, security camera positioning, and other systems or objects that move.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is a simulation of machines that are designed to mimic human decision-making. As such, AI can learn what is normal energy usage for equipment like refrigerators or HVAC systems and, if there is a leak or abnormal energy output, it can suggest maintenance. AI can also learn occupant preferences and adjust lighting and temperature based on a specific occupant.
Augmented Reality (AR)
AR allows you to see your real-life environment with a digital augmentation over it. AR technology can enhance smart buildings in a number of ways, including emergency situations or outages. For example, AR-enabled glasses could help a maintenance professional view equipment instructions, warnings, installation dates, and troubleshooting tips that “hover” over the piece of equipment.
These technologies enable a building to be “smart.” Beonic’s AI-powered platform harnesses data from these sources — as well as any other smart building technology like people counters, guest WiFi, queue management systems, etc. This data is then analysed by Beonic Insight and results in specific alerts, insights, or actions that can be used by building owners, personnel, or occupants.
Interested in Making Your Smart Building “Smart”?
Implementing smart building technology takes expertise and careful planning to ensure successful adoption. Beonic can help.
We offer a leading smart building platform to collect data and provide insights building owners can use to improve energy efficiency, save on costs, and provide healthier, safer, and more comfortable spaces.
Request a free demo of our intelligent place technology today.
