How smart buildings and the Internet of Things (IoT) are transforming the built environment

Smart buildings and the Internet of Things (IoT) have influenced dramatic change in how our buildings are designed, built and maintained.

What are smart buildings?

Smart buildings are built with an integrated, IT managed network of technology. Essential services such as lighting, alarms, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and security are interconnected by technology to collect and exchange data to optimise performance.

Using artificial intelligence and machine learning, smart buildings are programmed to respond to users’ needs.

What is the Internet of Things?

The Internet of Things refers to objects and devices that are controlled by smart technology. In a smart building these may be appliances, climate controls, fire detection systems, lighting controls, water monitoring devices and security systems.

The benefits of smart buildings and IoT

The collection and analysis of smart building data generate significant benefits.

Improved energy efficiency

According to the University College of Estate Management, the greenhouse gases produced by post-construction buildings account for 28% of all global energy related carbon emissions.

Using the collected data, a smart building can reduce these operational carbon emissions by automatically adjusting the energy consumption of building services such as lighting and HVAC systems. They can be programmed to be used only as and when needed, rather than unnecessarily wasting energy.

Enhanced occupant comfort

Smart buildings and IoT give users control over their comfort. For example, automation can produce temperatures and lighting levels that are appropriate to current weather or visibility conditions.

Reduced operational costs

Through the activation of building services only where and when they’re needed, smart buildings and IoT technology reduce ongoing operational costs.

Improved security

Smart building security technology such as cameras and sensors can be integrated with security systems to alert homeowners or security personnel that they are under threat.

Predictive maintenance

Building systems can be monitored by smart technology sensors to identify potential faults before they occur. This keeps smart buildings well maintained and avoids unnecessary repair costs.

Internet of Things trends in the UK

Data published by Statista forecasts that the number of IoT devices worldwide will almost double from 15.9 billion in 2023 to more than 32.1 billion in 2030. This will have a direct impact on the construction sector.

The growing use of IoT in commercial and residential developments is largely driven by sustainability goals. By managing energy use and linking up with decentralised energy sources such as solar panels, IoT technology is helping to reduce energy waste.

IoT continues to evolve. Latest developments include edge computing (a range of networks and devices at, or near, the user) and 5G connectivity for faster data processing.

The growth of IoT in construction is not confined to the technology installed in buildings. The construction process itself is becoming more entwined with IoT. According to HSE Network, areas where IoT is transforming construction sites are:

Real time safety monitoring through wearable devices
Smart PPE for enhanced worker safety
Environmental monitoring for sustainable construction
Connected machinery and equipment
Data-driven decision making for improved safety protocols.

Challenges of smart buildings and IoT

Green.org identifies the integration and interoperability of IoT ecosystems as key challenges of smart buildings, along with incompatibility issues.

There are also concerns about the data security and privacy vulnerabilities of IoT devices and networks.

High installation costs present challenges for the wider adoption of smart buildings and IoT, but as the technology reduces energy consumption and other operational expenses, the initial installation cost is offset by ongoing efficiencies.

In summary...

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CCBP champions the safest and most efficient construction processes for our members. This involves exploring new construction methodologies like smart buildings through member-driven research and events.

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