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SERIES 22 / Module 10 Smart Buildings
Figure 2 – Smart appliances are operated according to smart grid demands and operate at cheaper rates.
close to Passivhaus domestic or commercial standards.
2. Internet of Things (IoT) At the heart of every smart building is the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT devices, including sensors, smart meters and actuators, allow the building to monitor its environment in real time. For example, motion sensors can detect when rooms are unoccupied and automatically turn off lights to save energy.
3. Building management systems (BMS) A building management system (BMS) is essential for integrating various building systems such as HVAC, lighting and security into a centralised platform. Through BMS, data collected from IoT devices is analysed, and commands are sent to optimise building operations.
4. Building energy management systems (BEMS) Building energy management systems (BEMS) are specialised systems that focus on energy efficiency. BEMS platforms enable monitoring of energy consumption, tracking and optimisation across different systems in the building. These systems can identify inefficiencies, make real- time adjustments and provide insights to improve overall energy performance.
5. Artificial intelligence and machine learning Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are increasingly being used in smart buildings to enhance energy management. AI algorithms can analyse vast amounts of data to predict energy demand, suggest optimisations and even automate building operations to reduce energy consumption.
6. Renewable energy integration Many smart buildings incorporate
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contributing to both cost savings and sustainability. By automating energy use and optimising building systems, smart buildings can significantly reduce energy consumption compared to traditional buildings.
renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and energy storage batteries as part of their energy strategy. These renewable sources can reduce a building’s carbon footprint and reliance on the grid, enhancing its sustainability. Other technologies include air source heat pumps to provide heat from electricity and electric vehicle charging points – both of which can be operated using renewable electricity and energy storage.
7. Smart appliances Smart appliances enable users to connect, control and monitor their appliances, allowing them to save time, energy and money. Smart appliances can connect to your smartphone, or other devices, and be controlled remotely. Many smart buildings are provided with smart appliances such as task lighting, vacuums, speakers, TVs, fridges, freezers and washing machines that can decide when and how to operate. Operation is scheduled around smart grid demands, i.e. at low tariffs times, and/or the availability of stored energy within on-site batteries.
Operating smart buildings Energy efficiency is a primary benefit of smart buildings,
Table 2 – Typical smart office technologies
The 2050 ‘Smart Offi ce Building’
High levels of insulation throughout
Triple glazed windows Smart meter All electric catering
Low energy ventilation with EC Drives, heat recovery and occupancy controls
LED lighting with daylight harvesting
Air source heat pump (ASHP)
All appliances are smart ‘A+++’ rated
Building / energy management system Battery storage Solar panels on roof EV Charging points
Bicycle storage and use of autonomous vehicles
Smart grids In the UK the electricity grid is being transitioned from a high carbon power supply to a net zero power supply. This is being achieved with the use of large scale renewables such as off-shore wind farms, solar PV farms, large energy storage facilities and baseload nuclear power reactors. The net zero grid predominately generates electricity intermittently according to weather patterns with excess being stored and discharged in energy storage batteries. This means that electricity prices fluctuate across the day and seasons. Smart buildings not only need to be connected to a smart grid but also to communicate and understand when the grid has excess cheap electricity and peak time expensive energy.
Demand side response (DSR) Energy storage systems, such as batteries, allow smart buildings to store energy during periods of low demand and use it during peak times. This reduces energy costs and enhances the building’s resilience. Demand side response is an
energy-saving strategy where a building adjusts its energy consumption in response to signals from the energy grid. By reducing load during peak periods, smart buildings can help balance demand on the smart grid, thus reducing energy costs and contributing to grid stability.
Energy metering, contracts & tariff s Smart buildings therefore require suitable smart energy metering, contracts and tariffs that are aligned for smart operation. Smart meters are able to record consumption in real time energy flows and
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EIBI | MAY 2025
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