Why are connected buildings the need of today?

Advanced sensor and IoT-enabled devices have the potential for billion-dollar energy savings. They are present in metering technologies, lighting equipment, thermostats, HVAC systems, plug load controls, and other devices. As compared to the previous systems, they are more cost-efficient. You can connect them to the wireless internet as well. These connected devices are providing unparalleled data access, ultimately leading to smart building. It gives you the power to control every building system with a centralized operating system.

The connected building is the reality of today’s smart operational demands. It is an empowering approach to building technology where every system is connected and controlled through a single operating system. You can make system-wide decision-making by integrating multiple point solutions in a connected environment. By simply making these changes, you can unlock the potential of commercial building data that will reduce energy consumption costs, bring more operational productivity, and ensure the comfort of the occupants.

Drive efficiency in three core areas

 Efficiency in a building comes from data-driven decisions. Connected buildings create opportunities for efficiency by empowering three core systems:

1. People-based efficiency: It brings operations, finance, and sustainability teams together on which building technologies rely. As a result, they are able to work proactively, leading to empowered building management.
2. Technology-based efficiency: It takes place when a building brings new devices wirelessly that consume less energy.
3. System-based efficiency: It is achieved when systems connect and with other buildings. They work collaboratively to change their behavior based on what other systems are doing. The trends that were not attainable before are now possible.

How can smart buildings transform the anatomy of operations?

The progressive and latest technology is transforming the way how buildings operate. It brings visibility for all the stakeholders into the operations that enable them to make constructive decisions for optimized results. The facilities not only reduce the costs but also get rid of frequent power failures with the IoT-based technology. Not only this, it is a lot more to offer to millennials. Here are some of the most valuable reasons that state why facilities must look for smarter options rather than relying on conventional ones:

1. Enables optimized productivity across multiple business functions

Making the right decisions about operating budgets and occupant’s comfort is crucial for building management, maintenance, and sustainability teams. The lack of getting a detailed view of the building systems turns out to be a hurdle. It happens with many companies where some data is accessible from a centralized computer and takes hours in others. When managers receive all this data, they can make better decisions and prioritize the resources to get the best returns for the money spent. Using the building’s data, the facilities can formulate strategic tactics such as comparing project ROI and measurement & verification of multiple business functions, etc.

Connected buildings not only improve energy efficiency but also increase operational productivity by eliminating manual or repeated work. With this technology in place, the facilities can handle troubleshoot problems through a web browser. There is not even a need to go to the site every time. The architectural and construction teams can use this data to design new energy systems instead of making wild assumptions.

This technology is disruptive because data becomes easily accessible. It not just enables data collection but also provides actionable data in various purpose-driven applications. The facility managers can leverage this data to get valuable insights into the building.

2. Increase the ROI of energy efficiency projects

Smart building helps in the measurement and verification of energy projects. At the same time, it ensures fault detection services to prevent costly equipment replacements in the long run. The building owners and managers will find effective ways to manage the risk of operations. When they get a detailed view of the entire energy portfolio, they’ll know about systems consuming the most energy. It allows them to ensure optimized energy consumption.

When low energy savings start coming, they can use the remaining capital for other expansion goals or R&D. The disruptive potential of IoT-based technology is high. It offers multiple benefits related to operating costs and transforms building operations. The facility managers can squeeze more revenues from every asset, including building stock. It is doing the work that the IT department has been doing for years. In short, it is fulfilling the needs of the operational team to bring in efficiency in energy projects for better ROI.

3. Transform the business models

Internet-connected devices have the ability to change the business model of the building operation. IoT-based building automation system can do the job pretty well. Integrating them into the cloud software provides consistent data, a uniform interface, and other features.

This new and innovative business model allows business owners to get the best ROI from their investment. Whether it’s the management, installation, or replacement of the building equipment, the managers can ensure all of it. They can also develop business development plans such as an energy reduction roadmap to meet CSR, etc. It will eventually lead to improved business operations.

The future lies in the Smart Buildings

There are still many commercial buildings that do not have advanced technology. It’s time to implement low-cost devices that minimize energy consumption and automate building operations. According to the ACEEE, systems-driven savings and smart energy management will bring $50 billion of industry-wide energy cost savings and efficiency gains of around 12-22%. Smart technologies can actually transform the building’s operations.

Once the systems of the building are connected, analytics applications will give in-depth insights into the processes. Managers can make necessary operational adjustments to start saving right away. Zenatix is one of the leading IoT companies in India that can help you switch to intelligent technologies easily.