How IoT sensors in buildings improve sustainability
Organizations can deploy IoT sensors throughout a building and have them send real-time data on energy consumption back to a data center for analysis. With IoT, organizations can individually monitor major devices, such as machinery, air conditioning systems, water heating systems, large refrigerating units or lighting systems. Once enough data is collected centrally over time, AI algorithms can analyze the IoT data and develop historic trends.
The massive amount of IoT data collected and analyzed can be used to strategize ways to conserve energy. Real-time data can show outlier trends in energy use by major systems, which could be a clear indicator of faulty or failing equipment. Organizations can use this data to initiate quick maintenance and avoid long periods of energy waste by faulty or aging equipment. By examining the trends in energy consumption throughout a building, facility managers can identify target areas within the building that can use retrofits to improve energy use.
Two types of IoT sensors in particular monitor and respond to changing needs of building occupants: smart thermostats and lighting systems.
Smart thermostats
IoT smart thermostats are an effective means of reducing heating and cooling costs. Many modern IoT smart thermostats have greater functionality for better temperature control, which can lead to even greater energy savings. IoT sensors can learn through data how to adjust the temperature based on habits and according to occupancy. Monthly energy reports can show trends of use for greater visibility and understanding of patterns. Reports can offer insight for more granular control of vents and temperature zones.
Smart lighting systems
Another example of using IoT for energy efficiency is with smart lighting systems, where Wi-Fi-enabled LED lights -- which in and of themselves offer great energy savings -- can be controlled based on schedules, motion or sound to turn on and off as needed and avoid excessive lighting energy use.
Often, rooms in homes and office buildings or commercial facilities remain lit all day even if there is nobody present, and this creates a significant waste of electricity. With IoT lighting systems, businesses or individuals can take advantage of more efficient lighting technologies and use the programmable abilities of smart lighting to streamline the amount of time lights are on. The significant energy savings achieved positively impacts both a business's bottom line and the environment.
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