Smart Office Building Technology and Its Benefits

Traditionally a late adopter, the commercial real estate industry has been slowly but steadily embracing smart building tech. Owners, who understand its financial and health benefits, are upgrading the HVAC, lighting, security, and other systems in their properties. In fact, Memoori Research predicts that the number of connected devices in smart commercial properties is going to nearly double to 3 billion by year 2025.

But What Makes a Building “Smart?”

Smart buildings use technology, or in other words, various IoT (Internet of Things) devices to keep track of a range of environmental and operational factors, interpret the gathered data, and optimize the performance of their systems accordingly. Some of the most commonly upgraded building systems include:

HVAC – a smart HVAC system can provide automated controls for temperature, humidity, fan speed, on/off hours, and CO₂ levels and other air quality characteristics, while operating at optimal efficiency. Other features may include predictive maintenance tools, usage tracking, remote access, and notification capabilities.

Security – smart security systems provide not only building security and personal safety, but also convenience and better building experience. In addition to fire and intrusion detection, access control, video monitoring, and alarm notifications, there are a number of technologies that can assist occupants with informational building navigation and safe exit during emergencies. Smart security systems can even do things such as identify false alarms and pinpoint occupied spaces in the building during emergencies.

Lighting – smart controls can provide optimal lighting for occupants based on individual preferences, while also improving efficiency with the use of motion-activated lights, lighting schedules, automated window shades, and remote access.

Far from simply being the latest trend, smart buildings can deliver actual measurable benefits to both owners and occupants.

Health and Productivity

Employees’ performance and wellbeing can be significantly impacted by environmental factors such as uncomfortable indoor temperatures, poor air quality, insufficient lighting, etc. Smart buildings are capable of continuously monitoring the indoor conditions, analyzing the collected data, and making any necessary adjustments in real time.

For example, a smart HVAC system is capable of not only turning on and off when the temperature reaches certain levels, but it can also monitor CO₂ levels and respond by bringing in outside air if the levels approach the preset limits. Providing optimal air quality will be especially important in the post-pandemic office setting.

Reduced Operating Expenses

In addition to providing a healthier environment for occupants, smart building systems can help property owners save on operating costs. There are a number of automation and optimization technologies for the HVAC, lighting, and other building systems that can easily produce 5% to 15% in energy savings. A fully integrated smart building can reduce its energy bill by as much as 30% to 50%.

For example, a 50,000 sq. ft. office building with an annual energy consumption of 850,000 kWh can realize 23% savings by using smart lighting controls and a remote HVAC control system.

Support Sustainability

The energy savings generated by smart building tech are good not only for the property owner’s bottom line but also for the environment. With 40% of all U.S. energy being consumed by buildings and a similar percentage of greenhouse gas emissions generated, a widespread adoption of smart systems can help us immensely in the fight against climate change.