| |September 20189CIOReviewSmart buildings hold profound potential, and there is no denying that technology like IoT and edge computing are breathing new life into buildings, whether new or old enough to factor in external & internal conditions, proactive in course-correcting to bring efficiencies and at the same time, are highly efficient to meet the energy saving targets. The promise of smart buildings is incredible--made possible by robust, reliable technology. Here are the top four trends in Smart Buildings, brought on by the integration of technology, that make Smart Buildings integral to the development of smart cities. First, interoperability is becoming the new normal in Smart BuildingsThanks to IoT simple, ubiquitous connectivity of all devices in the building is possible. The myriad devices and systems in a building function in harmony, whereas big data analytics and cloud computing, enable these devices to predict, monitor, course-correct and control the behavior of the building. New connections are happening, not just between devices in a system, but among systems in a building and buildings in a portfolio. The avalanche of data coming in from buildings is being converted into useful, actionable information with the help of smart algorithms and big data analytics.Second, the information loop - from the grid to plugThe ability to get truly granular is now possible with Smart Buildings. Deployment of IoT, makes operations in a building visible and transparent ­ from the performance of the grid where energy losses are usually high to the end application, even determining how and where energy can be saved. Facility managers are able to visualize better what's happening across their footprint and make educated decisions to correct and improve conditions. Today's Smart grids allow energy distribution to be managed in real-time based on immediate data rather than historical patterns of power usage as was done earlier. Together with smart meters, it could noticeably reduce a business's energy costs and improve their sustainability credentials. Third, building management goes mobileAn integrated system where devices are in constant conversation with each other means simplicity, flexibility and improved control. While mobile apps that provide `monitoring alerts' for individual devices in the buildings have been around for a few years, IoT takes it to the next level. A facility manager can now not only monitor and manage various devices in a single view but can control them all from his mobile. Fourth, Buildings are becoming more people-centricSmart buildings enable flexible, adaptable, and efficiently managed spaces. The demands and comforts of the occupants become the prime focus thereby improving occupant well-being and productivity. In fact, a study by Sodexo estimates that the impact of a comfortable indoor environment on employee productivity is as high as 15% as it affects employee health, cognitive abilities, problem-solving capabilities, concentration, and ability to innovate.Smart buildings hold profound potential, and there is no denying that technology like IoT and edge computing are breathing new life into buildings, whether new or old. The impact of buildings on the everyday lives of people is being redefined. They are no longer mere physical structures but are slowly starting to define the quality of life of the citizens and the entire city. Gaurav Burman
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