5 Sustainable innovations in smart buildings technologies
As more and more industries are trying to incorporate sustainability practices into their activities, the construction industry is leading the way. Many of the new buildings now use smart technology, which helps minimise their energy consumption and waste, making them more environmentally friendly. In this article, we will look at five such technology examples for sustainable buildings.
1. Building management system
A building management system is an all-in-one platform that lets you automate and control various aspects of the building, including its mechanical and electrical equipment. This typically involves the indoor ventilation, security systems, lighting, heating, fire extinguishing, etc. All of these things are measured using smart sensors that are integrated into the building. The building management system allows you to easily monitor the various equipment and optimise their performance for most optimal energy use. Not only does it help in terms of sustainability, but also cuts overall building costs.
2. Integration of renewable energy
One of the most common sustainability initiatives in smart buildings is integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines. Although they may not cover 100% of the required energy, these systems help significantly reduce carbon emissions produced by the building. The building will typically have an energy storage solution (a large battery) that is capable of storing energy for later use. This is particularly useful on days that are lacking sun or wind and not enough energy can be produced.
3. Smart lighting systems
Smart lighting systems adjust light levels based on the time of the day and the number of people in the office. Most smart buildings now use LED lightbulbs that are more energy-efficient. Paired with the smart controls and automation, these lighting systems are significantly more sustainable than traditional solutions. Smart lighting can be used both indoors and outdoors, to maximise their positive impact.
4. Water conservation technologies
Smart water management technologies in buildings are implemented to lower the water usage and unnecessary waste. One of the ways to do this is using low-flow fixtures, which reduce the water use without any noticeable changes in performance. Additionally, greywater systems can be used to recycle dirty water and use it for such functions as flushing toilets or irrigation. These technologies help preserve one of our most valuable resources, water, while also cutting the consumption costs.
5. Room management systems
Buildings that are used by companies or have office spaces for the tenants can benefit from using room management systems. These smart systems allow people to book a desk or meeting room online, ensuring that the space will be available at the time they need it. It seamlessly connects all users and provides a user-friendly platform to view existing bookings and free time slots. This means that all building facilities are used as efficiently and sustainably as possible, and less overall space is needed per business.
Conclusion
Adopting these innovative technologies can quickly make a building a lot more sustainable. Each of these changes add up to significant energy savings in the long-run, reducing our environmental impact and being kinder to our planet.
