What Are the Possibilities When IOT and Building Design Meet?

When it comes to technology, evolution tends to happen hand in hand, across all industries in the commercial world. In the last 30 years alone, we have seen the advent of the internet, the ubiquitous paradigm of home computers, smartphones and tablet devices and ever-more resource efficient methods of building design.

Fast forward to 2017 and we now have an environment where the lines between the virtual world and the actual world are beginning to blur. Take the Internet Of Things (IOT) for example – electrically controlled devices of all types and sizes, able to be managed via the internet and automated to a large degree.

Advances

With these technological advancements has come greater control of the building environment, with features like air conditioning, heating, building management systems, façade management, CCTV, access control, visitor tracking systems, building systems, lighting and even communication systems above to be centrally controlled in the most efficient way possible.  This results in a single user interface for the building client, harmonising all building functions, having integration to improve building operations and efficiency.

The potential of a working environment that implements the best of both IOT and sustainable building design are exciting from an ecological standpoint.  By using automation, renewables and efficient control systems for all the necessary building facilities, it is possible to envisage a world where zero-net buildings are the benchmark for all future projects.

Full Integration

However, in order for these systems to have the desired effect, it is necessary for a building to run all of its systems in a way that enables them to communicate with each other. Have just a few systems ‘plugged in’ and you’ll only enjoy a fraction of the energy savings and environmental comfort that a fully controlled office space offers.

At Varming Consulting Engineers, we have decades of experience in building services engineering with a particular focus on intelligent systems, sustainable design and green technologies.  From CHP / photovoltaics, solar, natural ventilation, BeMS and chilled-beam systems to controlled ventilation, we have the expertise and know how to help your building be as efficient, in cost and resources, as it possibly can be.

What are the possibilities when IOT and building design meet?  That all depends on whether it is fully committed to or not.  If it is, then the possibilities of automation are almost endless.

If you would like to know more about anything discussed here or to find out more about how sustainable IOT building design can benefit your company, visit our website www.varming.ie for more information.  Alternatively, give us a call on 01 4872300 for a friendly chat about your building needs.