The U.S. is entering the fourth industrial revolution: smart buildings. New technology is creating energy management trends that are redefining how building systems function and how we perceive and interact with them. Over the next few years, we will continue to see the expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) and its role in connecting technology to commercial building infrastructure. Smart buildings are also changing the role of facility managers. More advanced building systems require facility managers to collect and analyze building data to ensure smart facility operation decisions and infrastructure investments are made. In 2016, facility managers identified use of technology and energy management some of the most important challenges. Upon the arrival of 2017, these challenges will become only more critical. Let’s take a look at what new energy management trends are emerging, the challenges facility managers are facing, and how these will affect businesses going forward.
Tunable White Lighting
Tunable white lighting is a concept that allow facility managers (FMs) to adjust the color temperature of a space to create variable ambiances and improve productivity. Andrew Gross, National Design Manager for Crestron, explains why tunable white lighting will be the next big thing:
“Take healthcare institutions, for example: Facility managers can alter the lighting within a facility so that lights are cooler above the nurses’ station, but warmer within patient recovery rooms. There have been also been studies that show benefits within classrooms and to student engagement.”
Internet of Things & Smart Lighting
The Internet of Things is the concept of connecting any device to the Internet, including cell phones, appliances, and even networked building systems. Many cellphones, tablets, and other handheld electronic devices are already integrated with the IoT. The idea is to bring the same technology and benefits to buildings. A building’s lighting systems is an easy way to integrate the IoT throughout a building by installing simple controls. Some benefits to a smart building and smart lighting network, according to Control Solutions, include:
- Understand how much energy your building consumes with real-time data for more powerful energy monitoring and management
- Remotely control building operations, reducing staff and maintenance costs
- Interconnected systems allow better asset management
- Less environmental impact
Energy Management Systems
Currently, one of the best resources for FMs is an energy management system. An energy management system (EMS) controls and automates processes throughout the building, including lighting, power, fire, and security systems. These systems also collect important data on the energy consumption of a building. Looking ahead, the combination of an EMS and IoT building integration will allow FMs to make use of real-time data with smart insight to make strategic facility management decisions that will affect the bottom line of their organization.
Technology, Analytics, and Return on Investment
According to a report by Ecova entitled Facility Managers, Putting Energy & Sustainability Practices to Work, “The return on the investment in a building or asset monitoring is precisely zero—unless organizations are taking actions on the data they gather.” Data and analytics are the driving forces behind building technology and energy management. Understanding and applying this data is the path towards better energy management practices. Facility Executive notes FMs who have access to real-time data are able to make informed energy efficiency retrofitting decisions. The data also allow FMs to pinpoint key energy operations, optimize settings on devices and equipment, maximize systems with preventive and predictive maintenance, and improve profit margins. An infographic by the Service Works Group (SWG) that was designed through data collected from FMs shows use of technology and energy management as 2 of the top 3 most important challenges facing FMs in 2016.
SWG’s report also shows that data measuring and reporting is by far the most important function of technology within the organization.
Final Thoughts
With the rapid popularity and integration of new technology in commercial buildings, the importance of data and analytics will only continue to grow. New energy management trends, combined with the IoT, will continue to automatize and advance buildings going forward. While the challenge for facility managers has expanded, smart building data will help make the case for energy efficiency and other building infrastructure investments.