The Internet of Things is not a relatively new concept. It has been operating in homes, businesses, even on the streets for years without much notice until recent times where there has been an increase in demand for IoT devices. It is estimated that the Internet of Things was conceived somewhere between 2008 and 2009 where there had been a noticeable increase of things connected to the internet.
What is The Internet of Things?
The people in the tech industry are excited when they talk about IoT ( Internet of Things), But, what is it? We can choose to define it in a very technical way but that would be just using a lot of unnecessary jargon. So, let’s try to define IoT in a non-technical way.
Very simply put, IoT is connecting machines over the internet so that they can ‘talk’ to each other. These things while connected to the internet can be categorized under one of these things:
- Things that take information and then do something about it
- Things that collect data and then send it
- Things that do 1 and 2.
Of course, there’s a lot of technical things that happen before the machines can talk to each other, but at its very core, that’s what the IoT of things are- machines connected and talking to each other.
What Can IoT Do?
IoT technology has many applications in healthcare, farming, and in construction to name a few. One of the more practical applications extends to creating green buildings that are sustainable and self-sufficient.
Green Buildings according to the EPA ( Environmental Protection Agency) is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life-cycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and deconstruction.
Building greener buildings have been around for centuries if you look back at the architecture of ancient times like the ancient aqueducts of Rome that used hydropower and gravity as well the ancient thermal baths that used geothermal energy to heat up the water. Now more than ever, we need to advocate for greener buildings to make sure that these structures are resilient and do their part in the pressing subject of pollution and climate change. There are many ways that people are making sure that buildings are sustainable – from replacing concrete with alternative materials, to 3D printing. But, the IoT can also contribute to making a structure sustainable.
How can wires and the internet help in making sure that a building is eco-sustainable? Here are some ways:
Extend Building Lifespan
IoT technology can help schedule for predictive maintenance by monitoring many aspects of the building such as temperature control through smart thermostats, digital power meters and reports on all electronic devices through an RFID system. Reports are sent over the internet immediately so you can make scheduled building maintenance to address any issues and nip it in the bud before they cause large scale damage. This smart reporting helps to increase a building’s lifespan by many years increasing the building’s sustainability.
Monitor For Air Quality
Sensors can be installed in buildings to make sure that the air quality in buildings is at an optimum level. There are IoT devices that you can use that monitors air quality real-time and provides feedback through a central system connected to the internet. Greener buildings should mean greener work and home environment to the tenants as well.
Remote Access Monitoring
Monitor all the aspects of the building even when you’re not on site by investing in technology that helps you keep the parameters in check at the touch of a button. There are many companies offering this technology out in the market so you have to know which one suits your needs. Now you don’t have to do the tedious rounds to check which aspect needs to be addressed, you can simply access it on a compatible device and you’re good to go.
Monitor Energy Levels
One of the reasons why people opt for green buildings is the sustainability that they have to offer. IoT technology can help to effectively monitor and point out any abnormal or excessive energy usage that may signal the need for maintenance. Likewise, IoT technology helps you to access these energy sources no matter where you are in the world. You can be a continent away from the building but with proper admin privileges, you can control and optimize energy consumption at the touch of a finger.
IoT in Construction
Building a greener building starts with the initial construction process. Nowadays, construction companies have invested in IoT technology to help manage all aspects of the construction process from planning down to project implementation. By using only the top commercial construction project management software, project managers can collaborate with building owners to come up with the best green building plan, getting the specifications right down to the last detail. By using IoT in construction, all parties involved are able to collaborate effectively as well as lessen carbon footprint by lessening the need for endless trails of paperwork.
