Miscellaneous Technology

Understanding the Benefits of Smart Buildings

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Smart buildings are structures that utilize smart technology to assist in their overall function and improvement. With the integration of sensors, biometrics, codes for scanning, and software applications, an otherwise ordinary building now has a brain. These building management systems have contributed to the convenience that many are experiencing in property management.

More people have been enlightened about the benefits of living in, or owning, a smart building in recent years. Commercially, it’s been quite popular across many business sectors such as retail, hospitality, and property management, i.e., office buildings, condominiums. Entrepreneurs, users, and occupants alike have been impressed with what interconnected technologies in buildings can do for them.

This industry’s growth is forecasted to be at a fast pace in the next four years, which signifies its huge potential. However, some of its positive qualities aren’t visible unless explained well. Understand the benefits of smart buildings by reading this article.

Efficiency and productivity

All intelligent buildings use sensors to scan their surroundings and use the information they’ve obtained to adapt accordingly. 

These sensors have long been used in many buildings to monitor conditions in real-time. The common ones you can find are temperature sensors, which help set the preferred temperature of a room or a specific area. 

A complete building solutions provider would be incomplete without sensors that manage the temperature. Temperature sensors have had quite the history as an asset of smart buildings, and have improved nowadays due to the development of the Internet of Things (IoT). Smart temperature sensors now optimize the use of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) through automation.

Automating the HVAC of a building ensures that ideal conditions in all areas are met. Doing so increases productivity in a corporate or labor environment. It sets the temperature at a comfortable level and detects issues on any appliance or machinery involving temperature. It aids in producing the optimal combination of productive personnel and efficient use of energy to boost said productivity.

Space utilization and cost-efficiency

Having a smart building for business means you can use your assets while also reducing your expenses. This involves energy consumption and space utilization which is often overlooked. Smart technologies allow you to see how much energy you’re consuming and how effectively you’re utilizing your building’s space.

Through the use of motion sensors that detect physical movement, an intelligent building can automate lighting and other appliances like air conditioning. Only switching on appliances and lights when a specific space is in use results in significant energy savings and reduces expenses. Aside from motion sensors, there are also electrical current sensors that can do the same and also measure energy consumption in real-time.

In terms of space utilization, occupancy sensors are handy. The space inside your building is arguably your best asset, and with smart technology, it’s easily optimized to its full potential. It can be useful for offices and in retail, where occupancy and footfall are crucial.

Enhanced problem anticipation

A building that has integrated smart technology anticipates problems well. In terms of security and maintenance, that’s an advantage that any property owner or entrepreneur could use. Issues with appliances and equipment can be addressed before they get worse.

Predictive maintenance is a solution that smart technologies provide in buildings. Sensors that can detect sudden changes in the performance in different areas of the building are installed for that purpose. With predictive maintenance, the need for manual checks and repair is reduced, which means fewer operational expenses.

You can also keep track of your equipment’s depreciation and their eventual expiration. Using the data that the building’s sensors collect, the determination of which assets you need to replace becomes easier.

Environment friendly

As aforementioned, automated systemic processes in a building help a lot in reducing energy consumption. An intelligent building reduces energy usage and expenses with smart control over appliances and equipment. That makes for an environment-friendly building.

Smart buildings leave less carbon footprint and are sustainable. Not only do you get more savings if you own or live in one, but you also cause less harm to the environment.

Final thoughts

Now you understand how easy it is to believe in smart buildings. Their benefits are undeniable and will soon be recognized worldwide. Smart buildings are great investments now and for the future.

About the author

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Edwin Deponte

Edwin Deponte is a motivational writer and speaker who loves to travel around the world. Once an aspiring engineer, he dreamed of changing the way buildings operate. Today, he passionately writes about smart building systems & solutions and how it’s bound to change the way people move and work around.