Technology is taking more and more space in our lives, trying to speed up and optimize every type of process, either to give us comfort or to contribute to the efficiency in the use of resources.
It is well known that the environmental impact produced by human beings on the planet has caused serious damage to the ecosystem. Therefore, smart buildings are presented as a more sustainable alternative to the modern lifestyle in large cities.
Construction trends are inclined to the development of highly technological buildings that are characterized by having facilities and systems that allow the integrated and automated management of almost all the home’s functionalities (electricity, lighting, air conditioning, etc..).
What is a smart building?
They are infrastructures built with systems and facilities that integrate new technologies for the management, control and automation of the air conditioning, lighting, security, electricity, telecommunications, access and entertainment processes.
These automated and interconnected systems allow increasing energy efficiency, safety, usability and accessibility, taking better advantage of available resources. The term Smart Building can be used to define any type of building that integrates these innovations, either in cases of rehabilitation of the structure or new constructions.
4 characteristics of smart buildings
It is common for people to confuse smart buildings, with the extravagance of architectural design. While most modern buildings combine cutting-edge designs with technological systems, it is not necessary for a smart building to have an innovative design.
In many cases, these are traditional constructions, but they perfectly integrate a series of technological features and devices that make their construction and consumption more efficient. These are some of the features that smart buildings need to have to be considered a smart building:
• Connectivity: Information and systems must be available in real-time so that any user can access data easily. This facilitates the self-management and autonomy in order to achieve the most favorable balance in the use of resources. It is about joining people in the building’s computer system.
• Security: Security is one of the main purposes of these buildings, their objective of reducing risks against crime, emergencies, accidents and disasters is achieved with the implementation of different monitoring devices that allow controlling actions such as access or detection of fires.
• Eco-efficiency: These are buildings constructed using more effective and efficient materials and systems that achieve optimization in the use of resources.
• Accessibility: In its construction, accessibility is prioritized for all people, including those with reduced mobility or disabilities.
Smart buildings’ innovative systems
There are hundreds of devices and technologies that are being tested in smart buildings, some of them try to make each building self-sustained or reduce the impact of its construction on the environment. These are some innovations that have already become common in these facilities:
HVAC optimized systems
HVAC systems(heating, ventilation and air conditioning) are responsible for creating a pleasant environment within the infrastructure.
These devices can function as heating or cooling, depending on the needs of the users. Its purpose is to provide an indoor environment with a comfortable temperature, relative humidity rate and air purification.
In smart buildings, these systems are optimized to achieve a balance between comfort and the lowest possible energy consumption. To do this, they use smart thermostats and other devices that determine the on and off-hours as well as other functionalities.
Energy efficiency
Smart buildings must be efficient in the use of energy. This is achieved by using devices that optimize electricity consumption as smart meters and other types of self-management systems.
In this way, lighting, electrical equipment and everything connected to the network will be optimally managed to avoid wasting energy. Besides, knowing the patterns of consumption and alterations in the system can detect failures quickly and reduce expenses in this service.
Remote access to building systems
Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Machine learning and the Internet of things (IoT) have been developing advanced programs that facilitate self-management and constantly improve the energy use of buildings.
These tools work using sensors that track parameters such as light, motion, pressure, temperature, among others, to monitor their variations and control them intelligently to optimize their operation.
Advantages of Smart building
• Improves the efficiency of all building systems. This allows learning from the data collected to create new methods, such as automatically turning off lights when there is no one in a room.
• More information and control. The data collected allows analyzing and understanding the operation of the systems and detecting failures and inefficiencies, to give them a timely solution before they cause major problems.
• They are responsible for the environment because they achieve better efficiency in natural resource usage having, as a result, a positive impact on our planet.
• Increased satisfaction and productivity of the tenants thanks to a system fully adapted to your needs.
Smart buildings are presented as the best alternative to balance the demands of modern life with the efficient consumption of resources. In such a changing world and with exponential population growth, it is necessary to start designing cities where the available resources are better used and distributed.
According to experts, smart buildings have ceased to be a trend to become a requirement for construction. These infrastructures will be the key to improving the quality of life and personal well-being while improving efficiency, productivity and economic growth. If you liked this content, let us know, What do you think about the daily technology integration in society?
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