In the last few years, more and more businesses across a range of sectors have begun to look at smart solutions to get the most out of their existing building assets. Whether it has come from the top to cut down on operational inefficiencies or keeping pace with the rapid rise of integrated technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), one thing is certain: we are in the midst of an intelligent evolution when it comes to the building market.
This is reflected in a recent Zion report, which highlights that the global smart building market is expected to grow to US$36 billion by 2020. This is particularly significant when compared against 2014 figures, when the industry was valued at US$ 7 billion.
Facility managers have welcomed the rise of smart technologies, which have made their jobs easier than ever before. By implementing smart technology, such as smart lighting or occupancy mapping, into their building, they can minimise energy usage, which has obvious benefits for the environment.
By implementing IoT solutions across HVAC systems, lighting, and even certain types of electrical loads, a business operating in a space approximately 75,000 square feet, with energy bills averaging US$ 2.32 per square foot per annum, could save anywhere between US $15,000 and US $50,000 every year.
Sydney Opera House – committing to building management
Since opening its doors over 40 years ago, Sydney Opera House has been on the cutting edge of building innovation. 2013 marked the Opera House’s 40th anniversary and the beginning of a $270 million Decade of Renewal Project.
In 2015, the Opera House began working with Honeywell to modernise its aging building management and control system. The Opera House wanted to improve reporting capabilities, introduce building analytics and provide a platform from which the system will grow and develop as its needs evolve.
The Opera House chose a system that was specifically designed to reduce its energy footprint, using the original seawater cooling system to improve comfort levels with smart performance-based scheduling and intelligent analytics.
Various smart building solutions were used to manage and monitor gas, water and electricity use across the facility. Additionally, the HVAC building management system includes 70+ ComfortPoint IP controllers, ensuring flexibility and comfort for all of the buildings users.
The result was a single facility management platform, used by more than 100 different operators, granting an unprecedented level of visibility and control.
The future is smart
The implementation of smart building solutions is not limited to iconic facilities like the Sydney Opera House. Structures of all types can benefit from intelligent systems and the advantages they offer facility managers and building operators in terms of control, flexibility and visibility. It’s no longer a question of if your facility can become a smart building, but rather when you can take control and create a better environment for its users.