BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS


CREATING A MORE SUSTAINABLE


The Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly transforming the way we live and work, creating opportunities for businesses to become more efficient, productive and sustainable


Almost 40% of energy-related emissions come from buildings. Raoul Wijgergangs, CEO of EnOcean, explores the role of IoT in building sustainability and how wireless and battery-free radio sensors are making buildings smarter, more energy-efficient, and flexible


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n order to reduce the CO2 footprint of buildings, the need to improve their energy efficiency is


growing in importance. However, the Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly transforming the way we live and work, creating opportunities for businesses to become more efficient, productive, and sustainable. And, for buildings, IoT technology provides solutions that can help reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions while improving building performance. One of the most promising features of


sustainable IoT solutions is the use of wireless and battery-free radio sensors. These sensors can be installed easily through ‘peel & stick’ and are used to monitor a range of factors – such as temperature, humidity, and occupancy, in real-time. This data can then be used to optimise building systems, such as lighting, HVAC and security, to reduce energy waste and improve comfort levels.


BENEFITS FOR FACILITY MANAGERS IoT solutions can help facility managers to convert buildings to a more sustainable version of themselves. Installed throughout a building, IoT sensors and devices can gather real-time data on various aspects of the building’s performance, such as temperature, humidity, air quality, ventilation, energy consumption and occupancy.


20 This data can be analysed and used to make


informed decisions about how to optimise the building’s performance, such as adjusting temperature and lighting settings, identifying and addressing maintenance issues, and improving energy efficiency. IoT can also help to identify patterns and trends over time, allowing facility managers to make more strategic decisions about long-term maintenance and upgrades. Sensor-based solutions can also provide


facility managers with remote access to building controls and systems to monitor and adjust building performance from anywhere. This can help to improve response times to issues and reduce the need for onsite visits, saving time and money. Overall, facility managers have greater visibility and control over building performance, allowing them to optimise building operations, reduce costs, and improve occupant comfort and productivity.


SMART SPACES In the case of lighting, wireless sensors can detect when a room is occupied and adjust the lighting levels accordingly, reducing energy consumption while also creating a more comfortable and productive working environment. Similarly, in the case of HVAC systems, sensors can monitor temperature and humidity levels and adjust


ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Summer 2023


settings based on occupancy, reducing energy waste and improving air quality. Furthermore, with more businesses adopting


flexible working models, desk sharing has become a popular option. A recent study by McKinsey revealed that 58% of Americans can work from home at least one day a week, while 35% have the option to work from home five days a week1


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However, office buildings haven’t caught up with this trend yet. By using wireless sensors to monitor desk occupancy, businesses can ensure that office space is being used efficiently, reducing the need for additional office space. This, in turn, can help reduce building energy consumption and ultimately lower carbon emissions. In addition to reducing energy consumption


and carbon emissions, sustainable IoT solutions can also provide businesses with valuable data insights that can be used to improve operations and make more informed decisions. For example, by analysing occupancy data, businesses can identify areas of the building that are being underutilised, leading to potential cost savings. IoT sensors can also be used to monitor and


control access to the building, ensuring that only authorised personnel have access. This not only increases security but also reduces energy waste, as lights and HVAC systems can be automatically turned off when areas of the building are not in use.


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