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.
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 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.
Smart buildings rely on several technologies, such as:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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 analyzed by Beonic Insight and results in specific alerts, insights, or actions that can be used by building owners, personnel, or occupants.
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.