Smart Buildings: The Key to Energy Efficiency

As the technology we enjoy today becomes more sophisticated, so does its applications. First, there were smartphones. Then came smartwatches. Now, there are all sorts of “smart” things—smart locks, smart locks, and even smart toothbrushes. But perhaps one of the biggest applications of smart technology is the rise of smart buildings.

Smart Buildings in Smart Cities: The Key to Energy Efficiency

With the rise of smart buildings through building automation, not only have people’s lives become easier, but the strain and impact on the environment have eased, somewhat. This is because smart technology typically makes buildings more energy efficient, something so vital in an era where cost-saving and environmental consciousness are more important than ever.

Smart Technology Defined

“Smart” is now a buzzword when it comes to marketing technology. When a product is “smart,” the implication is that it’s better than its non-smart counterpart and, in turn, can make life better and easier.

Officially, the word “smart” in terms of technology came from the acronym “Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology.” When you think about it, the meaning of this acronym still reflects what smart technology is today. Over time, though, certain technologies became known as smart because of their internet connectivity, artificial intelligence, the capacity to learn from their environment, and automation.

Energy Management in Smart Buildings

According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), 19 percent of energy consumption in the U.S. is from commercial buildings. A majority of these buildings are for office and retail use. Since office spaces, especially for companies who rely on technology, represent the largest commercial building sector, it is necessary to focus on their energy efficiency.

Large office buildings in major cities may are more likely to have the ability and flexibility to install smart technologies like energy management systems like HVAC and light controls. There is also the technology that drives occupancy sensors. When paired with thermostat and other HVAC controls, this technology can sense the absence of employees from workspaces and then reduce the heating, air conditioning, or lights in low-use or unoccupied areas of the office.

According to the 2017 ACEEE report entitled Smart Buildings: A Deeper Dive into Market Segments, tenant energy management systems, another aspect of smart technology, can solicit feedback from office occupants. By using this, buildings save energy, reduce the cost of maintenance, and improve employee comfort.

Another example that the ACEEE report provided is the smart outlet. According to the paper, “smart outlets and advanced power strips can control employee workstation and office equipment plug loads when they are unused. The average office building can save 18% of its whole building energy use through the installation of smart technologies.”

And while energy efficiency is the main goal, these smart technologies, when applied to office buildings, can help improve employee productivity. Studies suggest that the right temperature and improved lighting can raise employee productivity. It’s no question that more productive employees can only mean good things for any company.
Build Smarter Structures, Now

Energy efficiency, especially in large buildings, is an important aspect of today’s society. One of the most effective ways to maintain efficiency is to install building automation systems to make spaces smarter.

For your building automation needs, trust Pro Circuit Inc. Our qualified technicians provide complete installation services for major building automation systems providers. Get in touch with us today to request a bid.