What is a “Smart Building”?
Smart buildings are changing the way we think about building design and management. By incorporating advanced technologies, building owners can significantly improve occupant comfort, health, and productivity, whilst also enhancing efficiency, functionality, and sustainability.
Through IoT sensors businesses can gather real-time data on various building functions, including energy consumption, air quality, and occupancy levels. This data can be analysed and used to make data-driven decisions to optimise building systems and improve the occupants’ experience. For example, adjusting lighting and temperature settings based on occupancy levels or air quality to improve comfort and energy efficiency.
Health and Wellbeing, and Productivity
By harnessing the power of data, businesses can create healthier and more comfortable working environments, which in turn can lead to a boost in productivity and a reduction in absenteeism. Poor indoor air quality has been linked to a reduction in cognitive function and overall productivity, as well as an increase in sick days taken by employees. It can also cause short-term symptoms such as allergies, headaches, and fatigue, and exacerbate existing health conditions such as asthma and respiratory problems.
A survey by the British Council for Offices found that 70% of respondents stated that poor indoor air quality had a negative effect on workplace satisfaction. Additionally, the Health and Safety Executive estimates that in the UK alone, poor indoor air quality causes 30,000 cases of work-related ill health annually.
By adopting IoT technology in buildings, businesses can unlock significant benefits that can have a significant impact on their bottom line. IoT sensors can be used to monitor and optimise building conditions, resulting in an increase in staff productivity by up to 30%. This increase in productivity can lead to higher output and greater efficiency, which can result in cost savings for businesses.
Furthermore, IoT technology can also improve employee health and wellbeing, leading to reduced absenteeism and related costs such as overtime and temporary staffing. This can result in substantial savings for businesses and a healthier workforce, which can lead to even greater productivity gains and cost savings in the long term.
Occupancy Monitoring
Occupancy monitoring is a key feature of smart buildings that can have a significant impact on building performance and occupant satisfaction. By utilising sensors to track the number of people in a space, businesses can gain real-time insights into how spaces are being used and make informed decisions about how to optimise building systems such as heating, cooling, and lighting. The result is reduced energy costs and increased efficiency.
According to a study by the Carbon Trust, buildings that incorporate occupancy monitoring technology can save up to 30% on energy costs. This is achieved by ensuring that building systems only operate when necessary and are not wasted on unoccupied spaces. By monitoring occupancy levels, building owners can also make informed decisions about how to allocate resources, such as cleaning and maintenance, to ensure that they are used efficiently.
In addition to cost savings, occupancy monitoring can also improve occupant satisfaction by ensuring that spaces are being used effectively. For example, if a meeting room is frequently unoccupied, it may be more beneficial to convert it into a shared workspace or break room. By making informed decisions about resource allocation, building owners can improve occupant satisfaction and ultimately attract and retain tenants.
Sustainability
Smart buildings play a crucial role in helping businesses achieve their sustainability goals, especially in the face of the UK government’s target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. According to the UK government, energy efficiency improvements in commercial buildings have the potential to save up to £2 billion annually by 2030.
By adopting IoT technology in buildings, businesses can use sensors and data analytics to monitor energy consumption and usage patterns, and make informed decisions about how to reduce energy waste and promote sustainable practices. Businesses can leverage real-time data to identify areas of high energy consumption and implement energy-saving strategies accordingly, such as installing renewable energy sources like solar panels or using energy-efficient appliances.
Asset Value
Buildings that have sustainability certifications and smart features are highly sought after by tenants, as they provide not only a modern and efficient workspace but also a commitment to sustainability. A recent study showed that buildings with sustainability certifications command rental premiums of up to 6.6%, which can translate into higher rental income for building owners.
Furthermore, buildings with these certifications have been found to be valued up to 10% higher than non-certified buildings, providing a significant boost to the asset value. By investing in smart building solutions, building owners can attract environmentally conscious tenants and increase their property value, ultimately leading to improved financial performance.
Conclusion
By adopting smart building technologies, businesses can achieve a range of benefits, including increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced asset value. These benefits can have a significant impact on the bottom line, leading to substantial cost savings and improved profitability.
At IoT Horizon, we are committed to providing businesses with the latest smart building solutions to unlock the full potential of their buildings. We take care of everything including hardware specification, installation, and data visualisation through our Neronis IoT Platform, as well as analytics support to help businesses make informed decisions based on their data.
Our solutions are designed to create a healthier and more comfortable working environment for employees, while promoting sustainable practices that benefit the environment and the community. By partnering with IoT Horizon, businesses can pave the way for a smarter and more sustainable future – contact us today!