Pippa Boothman, VP Marketing & Communications at Disruptive Technologies.
Climbing energy costs are putting increased pressure on businesses, driving many to seek opportunities to save costs elsewhere. Closely monitoring energy consumption is a simple way to keep spending low, with many businesses creating unnecessary levels of waste that can be reduced. The availability of technology to track energy use is increasing. Technology such as IoT sensors presents efficient and cost-effective solutions to reduce waste, creating opportunities to manage the pressure of rising costs.
How can IoT sensors measure energy use and waste?
Proper energy management is key to reducing waste and ensuring that resources are used efficiently. One way to obtain the data needed for effective energy management is through the use of sensors. Sensors such as temperature, humidity, water, CO2 and motion can provide insights into environmental monitoring, space occupancy and property damage protection. By combining this data, it is possible to optimise energy use and prevent wasteful practices such as having the heating or air conditioning on when rooms are empty. This is especially important in larger buildings such as office towers, where small changes can have a big impact on overall energy consumption. By making use of sensors and other data-driven tools, it is possible to significantly improve the efficiency of real estate infrastructure and reduce wasteful practices.
The integration of data and sensors into building management systems is revolutionising the commercial real estate industry. By automating processes and collecting data on energy use, infrastructure, and occupancy, buildings are becoming more efficient and waste is being reduced. The result is lower operating costs and a more sustainable built environment. In the future, data-driven building management will become the norm, making for a more responsive and efficient built environment that can adapt to the changing needs of occupants and adjust to the complex times we are living in.
Creating any successful energy reduction strategy should rest on a comprehensive data foundation.
What steps can be taken to reduce energy waste?
Owning and operating buildings is complex. The more information we have to make adjustments, the better. With the ability to remotely monitor various buildings, floors, or offices, the facilities managers, owners, or employers can organise tasks and services accordingly. Once possible energy waste scenarios have been identified, the problem solving can start. Simple steps could be to manage a leak before severe water damage occurs, turning off the HVAC when a window is open, or rerouting the cleaners to a location that has been occupied.
Understanding space utilisation and occupancy is critical in reducing energy waste. By deploying temperature, proximity, motion, and occupancy sensors, businesses can generate a heatmap detailing how and when employees use a space. If there are meeting rooms often left unoccupied or areas infrequently visited, these can be identified and services adjusted accordingly. Occupancy monitoring often reveals the potential for downsizing. If this is possible, downsizing to a smaller space significantly reduces energy costs along with rent and other operational expenses.
Sensors can be used to track the amount of energy used by a building before and after retrofitting for energy efficiency. By comparing the two sets of data, organisations can see exactly how much they are saving as a result of the retrofit. In other cases, sensors can be used to track changes in foot traffic patterns or air quality over time. This data can then be used to make informed decisions . The important part to remember is that, regardless of the size of the office or building, small changes have a very big impact.
What are the other benefits of optimising energy usage?
Optimising energy use is not only financially beneficial for businesses; it also assists in meeting sustainability goals, reducing carbon footprints, provides a better public image and is critical for employer branding. Public attention to the climate crisis is growing, significantly strengthening sustainability movements. Businesses must respect the increased concern of their target market by adhering to energy reduction, carbon footprint targets, and, in some cities, legislation and compliance. Tiny, non-invasive sensors allow businesses to easily monitor and track their sustainability progress, and data is collected in a way that can quickly be released publicly, demonstrating climate competency.
Sustainability and energy targets are also associated with Environmental Social Governance goals (ESG goals). Investors and other stakeholders are increasingly examining a company’s compliance with ESG goals before committing to any investment. As a result, neglecting energy waste reduction could potentially negatively impact a business’s opportunities for growth.
With the cost of energy rising and pressure for sustainability at an all-time high, businesses must re-evaluate their energy use. Installing IoT sensors throughout a building makes it possible to quickly identify areas where energy efficiency can be improved.
Businesses must consider the long-term impact of energy monitoring on their future. Waiting too long to implement these technologies could result in many companies falling behind the curve in progress. In addition, the increased focus on ESG goals creates additional financial risk in neglecting energy optimisation.
In today’s business world, it is critical to show that you are innovative and willing to adopt new technologies to be safe, sustainable, and efficient. This is especially important when it comes to attracting and retaining new talent and customers. By showing that you are committed to these values, and by making these kinds of investments, you will send a strong message that you are committed to being a leader in the 21st century business world.
Author: Pippa Boothman, IoT champion/expert with 10 years’ experience in the IoT space and VP Marketing & Communications at Disruptive Technologies. Disruptive Technologies is a Norwegian tech company and the award-winning developer of the world’s smallest wireless sensors and IoT infrastructure. With more than 100,000 sensors installed globally, DT’s data is enabling more efficient and affordable facilities management, while making buildings safe, smart, and sustainable.
