What Makes A Building Smart?

PropTech Outlook | Tuesday, January 23, 2024

The ultimate goal is to incorporate AI to learn occupancy patterns and make minute-by-minute adjustments, improving energy savings by up to 30% without significant equipment upgrades. This technology can optimize HVAC systems, reduce energy consumption, and enhance occupant comfort.

Fremont, CA: Future intelligent buildings will be hyper-interactive, using sensor-collected data, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Facility managers must stay updated on the latest technologies and strategies to prevent their buildings from becoming "dumb" and becoming the standard for facility construction and operation. Here are four of the hottest smart building trends. 

Real-Time Monitoring

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The rise of sensors and smart meters in buildings has led to a surge in building data, which can pose challenges for facility managers. Real-time monitoring can help manage this data by providing continuous reports on system status and energy use. This data can be used to optimize efficiency, alert for malfunctions, and communicate with utilities for optimal rates. Two-way communication with utilities is crucial, as they offer sophisticated pricing models based on time and demand. Real-time monitoring can lead to energy cost savings.  

Occupancy-Based Controls

Occupancy in buildings is a growing trend in smart buildings as organizations transition to work-from-home, hybrid work, and back-to-office policies. Occupancy-based controls can bring energy savings and improve occupant comfort. HVAC systems can setback setpoints when empty, while occupancy sensors optimize humidity and lighting. The ultimate goal is to incorporate AI that can learn occupancy patterns and make minute-by-minute adjustments, improving energy savings by up to 30% without significant equipment upgrades. This technology can optimize HVAC systems, reduce energy consumption, and enhance occupant comfort. 

Cybersecurity

The rise in building sophistication presents both opportunities and threats. A recent IBM report revealed a huge percent increase in cyberattacks, especially in healthcare facilities, between January and September 2021. Ransomware attacks are holding data hostage and costing organizations millions. Facility managers play a crucial role in improving the cybersecurity of intelligent building systems. To ensure competence, they should take six steps: learn the basics, work closely with IT on cybersecurity, and have mutual understanding and language interpretation. 

Digital Twins 

Digital twins are a sophisticated model of a facility that includes preventive maintenance schedules, real-time energy performance data, environmental product declarations, RFP templates, and bid solicitation from service providers. They simplify decision-making by providing a single repository for a holistic view of the building, eliminating the need for spreadsheets or reports. Digital twin technology can also run simulations based on real-time data, allowing facility managers to choose the best option for improved energy efficiency or reduced maintenance costs. Virtual reality is also being integrated into digital twin technology. 

 

 

 

 

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