Modern Building Services

FEATURE SMART BUILDINGS 28 MODERN BUILDING SERVICES MAY 2022 SMART BUILDINGS I nternet of Things (IoT) devices that monitor and analyse temperature, lighting, indoor air quality (IAQ) and presence, create environments that are easy to work in and have the potential to improve productivity in the office. Interoperability enables IoT devices to communicate, sharing data and responding in unison to changes in the office environment and its utilisation. When they work together, they offer valuable insights on how the workspace is operating. However, interoperability and integration can pose a challenge for facilities managers. Smart buildings are often lacking in interoperable tech, which in turn reduces the value of IoT. Facilities managers must consider how to centralise the data collected from IoT and ensure smart buildings are fully integrated. The rapid growth of IoT Back in 2020, LMG’s research spelled out an uncertain future for the office. Two thirds of respondents told us that the pandemic had led them to re-assess their real estate strategies – but only 14% said they would be actively making such changes in the next two years. Now, both employees and employers seem to have a clearer view of what they need from the office. They are looking for comfortable, customisable workspaces that promote employee safety and wellbeing, and this is driving the growth of IoT- enabled smart offices. IoT investment is accelerating. According to Fortune Business Insights, the IoT market was valued at USD 384.70 billion in 2021, and is predicted to grow to USD 2,465 billion by 2029. A portion of this projected growth is going into making corporate real estate smarter and more efficient. IoT’s promise to reduce energy and maintenance costs while pulling in tenants with a frictionless user experience is inspiring a number of innovative use cases. Benefits of an IoT-enabled office An IoT-enabled office promotes a positive occupant experience that is as seamless as possible. We tend to associate IoT with features in the home – from voice-operated devices to smart fridges – that tell you when you need to restock. As hybrid work becomes the norm, a building must be enticing enough to leave home for. Bringing IoT into the workspace is a large part of the solution. The pandemic reinforced office landlord’s focus on biosecurity. Smart buildings can promote biosecurity using sensors that monitor IAQ and occupancy levels. This ensures that occupancy is kept at safe levels and that the space is well-ventilated: a priority as new variants of Covid-19 continue to appear. On top of that, hybrid work demands flexibility, and IoT has a role to play in ensuring a smooth hybrid delivery. Sensors linked to hot desk booking systems, for instance, mean employees can find a comfortable seat regardless of when they come in. The ability to control access cards, lighting and other devices through smartphone apps allows those not working the typical 9 to 5 to have control over their workspace. These smart building and IoT technologies enable the built environment to play a role in improving employee wellbeing and the bottom line. The push to invest in IoT because of this is positive, but a smooth delivery is not guaranteed. Faced with a competitive market for tenants, office landlords have turned to smart buildings to give them an edge. In addition to providing landlords with energy saving and operational performance improvements, smart buildings must provide a seamless user experience, which exceeds, or at least matches the home comforts employees enjoy while working remotely, Ieuan Rowe , says Board Director at LMG The need for interoperability in smart buildings