In recent days we have heard more and more about Smart Building Technologies. A smart building deploys technology to capture data to enable automatic, efficient, and economical use of resources while maintaining a safe and pleasing environment for its occupants.
While technology can be the central feature of new construction, older buildings were not designed with the use of technology in mind, and this is where retrofitting comes in.
Smart Building Technologies: Key Indicators to Convert Legacy Buildings
Introduction:
In recent days we have heard more and more about Smart Building Technologies. A smart building deploys technology to capture data to enable automatic, efficient, and economical use of resources while maintaining a safe and pleasing environment for its occupants.
While technology can be the central feature of new construction, older buildings were not designed with the use of technology in mind, and this is where retrofitting and smart building technologies come in.
Smart Building Technologies to the Rescue
Properties are introducing IOT technology to legacy buildings to convert them into intelligent smart buildings focusing on energy efficiency to deal with climate change and provide an enhanced environment for occupants.
Energy efficiency provides different benefits, from minimizing the number of greenhouse gases, reducing the carbon footprint, and saving water, energy, and money. Improving the energy efficiency of the building will not only have a significant effect on the utility bill, but it can also significantly impact how the occupants perform and the value of the property.
Let us discuss some ways to improve the energy efficiency of a commercial legacy building and upgrade it to a smart building with IOT Technology:
Measure the Energy Consumption
It is vital to assess the building’s energy consumption before determining which part of the building needs to be modified. After selecting the area with more energy consumption, figure out options to make the building energy efficient.
Strategy to upgrade to a Smart Building
Plan the end objective:
- Reduction in energy consumption
- Use natural resources to save energy consumption
- To generate a part of the power requirement using sustainable sources
Understanding the possible saving will help select methods and the budget.
Insulation
Sizable energy consumption is due to the need for heating and cooling. In a well-insulated building, less warm air seeps out of the building, which is helpful during the winter season, and less cool air escapes during the hot season, which is needed during the summer months.
Due to this awareness, new smart building technologies tend to use high-performance insulation. Replacing or reinforcing doors and windows to eliminate air leaks can be a wise investment in old buildings.
Replacing the lighting fixtures for increased longevity and energy efficiency can lead to significant savings.
Smart building technologies incorporate natural light to bring in energy efficiency and to improve the building’s features. Consider adding large glass windows or skylights to the building.
Installing Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats connected to existing standard HVAC systems can help maintain energy-efficient indoor temperatures. They can determine weather conditions in real-time and automatically adjust indoor conditions.
Using natural weather patterns to control indoor temperatures reduces the energy consumption of the HVAC system. Smart thermostats can connect to motion sensors that adjust the indoor temperature based on the occupancy. The system automatically turns off in a vacant or sparsely occupied building. Placement of Thermostats in strategic locations can reduce energy consumption outside operational hours.
Conclusion
Smart building technologies focus on cost-effectiveness, easy installation, and maintenance while maximizing building occupants comfort.
Opting for the energy-efficient alternative is prudent when upgrading legacy or old commercial buildings to smart buildings for sustainability and efficiency.
Collaborating with experts is the best option for creating smart buildings to promote energy efficiency.
An Integrated Building Management System (iBMS) enhances building efficiency, safety, and energy management through centralized control and real-time monitoring.
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