IoT and Energy Efficiency to Build a Sustainable Future

The Internet of Things, or IoT for short, is standard in various industries, so it can deliver better customer service while operating more efficiently, improving decision-making, and increasing business value. IoT itself can be defined as a network of interrelated devices—embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies—that connect and exchange with others and the cloud.

For communities, IoT changes how we, as part of society, interact with the world, facilitating greater integration and synchronisation of activities. For businesses, especially building owners, it creates more intelligent and efficient systems, hence efficient energy usage. 

While the world is facing increasingly pressing issues related to climate change and resource depletion, making it imperative to improve energy efficiency through intelligent energy management, IoT usage is also rising to address this. Let's investigate how the Internet of Things promotes building energy efficiency and helps ensure a sustainable future!

How IoT Leverages Energy Efficiency for Businesses

Energy efficiency uses less energy to perform the same task or produce the same outcome. It is a vital component of sustainability, as it helps reduce energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and save costs.

A room with a hundred and ten people will need different air conditioning temperatures. The same goes for lights; when a room is filled with natural daylight, it won't need electric lights as much. This is where IoT technologies come in for better and wiser energy usage. By improving energy efficiency, we can mitigate the environmental impact of energy use and promote a more sustainable future.

IoT can integrate various systems and enhance them into a cohesive network that can be monitored and controlled centrally. Take a look at some examples below:

• Automated Lighting Systems
  By adjusting based on occupancy and natural light, smart thermostats optimise temperature settings, and these advanced systems can turn on or off lighting to save energy.

• HVAC Controllers and Economiser
  Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) use IoT technology to reduce up to 20% of energy by using sensors to measure various conditions, such as temperature and humidity within a building, to adjust energy usage.

• Energy Usage Monitoring and Analytics
  Building owners can use IoT devices to collect data on energy consumption, allowing for real-time monitoring and detailed analysis. This will help them identify inefficiencies and opportunities for energy savings.

Realising how IoT can leverage energy efficiency to improve business, owners and facility managers need to partner with IoT experts to review premises. Call Your Comms Group to consult with us on an IoT solution tailored to your business needs.

Key Advantages of IoT Energy Efficiency Management

IoT-driven building management can offer many benefits for the environment and owners, as it can save up to 70% on electricity bills. Let's break down the key advantages below:

1. Data Collection on a Granular Level and Real Time

IoT sensors continuously capture real-time data for accurate energy performance analysis, helping facility managers gain detailed insights to make energy consumption more efficient.

2. Energy Automation

With the data collected, IoT-embedded devices can adjust their performance based on the environment, like automatically turning off the electricity when no one is in the room.

3. Distributed Energy Resources Management

When peak hours approach, IoT technologies enable buildings with on-site renewable energy to distribute resources and take operations "off the grid."

4. Proactive Fault Detection and Diagnosis

IoT devices make it easier to determine equipment maintenance needs, thereby implementing proactive and preventive maintenance to avoid more energy wastage.

5. More Comfort for Building Occupants

Having fewer lights turn on when daylight enters the window will save energy and keep the room from being too bright. The same goes for room temperature. An IoT controller will help adjust the air conditioning automatically based on occupancy and room temperature.

The Future of IoT and Energy Efficiency

In the future, advanced AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning) can further enhance the capabilities of IoT systems, enabling more precise energy management and predictive maintenance. IoT can also facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, into the energy grid to promote more sustainable energy usage.

Business or building owners must also pay attention to and adapt to government policy and regulation to improve customer services.

Conclusion 

• IoT is revolutionising how we manage energy in businesses, including buildings, which offers various energy efficiency benefits, leading to cost savings and sustainability.
• IoT can integrate and enhance cohesive networks such as automated lighting systems, HVAC controllers, and energy usage monitoring. IoT devices enable businesses to analyse data and control energy consumption in real time.
• Energy saving will save cost and improve comfort for building occupants or customers.

Explore ways to use our IoT Solutions to make your building more energy efficient with Your Comms Group. 

We will be your partner in making your business more energy-friendly. Contact us now to start and save immediately!