The future of the technology and real estate industry is looking bright, and a big part of that is due to the rise of smart buildings. “Smart buildings” is a term you’ve probably heard thrown around a lot in recent years—but what does it actually mean? In short, a smart building is a commercial or residential structure that uses technology to improve the way it functions, making it more energy-efficient, sustainable, and comfortable for occupants. This can include things like automatic lighting, temperature control, and energy management systems. Not only are smart buildings good for the environment—they’re also good for business. Here are some of the most exciting smart building trends to look out for in 2023.
Predictive Maintenance & AI
Have you ever been to a doctor for a checkup? They may not find anything wrong with you during the appointment, but they will likely order some tests to be done anyway. These tests are preventative measures that can catch diseases or health concerns early on, before they become more serious problems. The same can be said of predictive maintenance for buildings.
Just like your body, buildings experience wear and tear over time. And just like you need to go to the doctor for regular checkups, buildings need to undergo regular maintenance in order to avoid more serious (and expensive) problems down the road. With predictive maintenance, sensors are used to collect data about a building’s performance and identify potential issues before they cause major damage.
One of the most exciting future trends in smart buildings is the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Predictive maintenance is a form of AI that uses data collected from sensors to predict when equipment is going to break down. This information can then be used to schedule repairs and replacements before problems occur, instead of waiting for something to break and then reacting. This not only saves businesses money—it also prevents disruptions and keeps occupants safe.
AI could also be used to create virtual assistants that can help occupants with tasks such as finding their way around buildings or booking meeting rooms. The use of AI in smart buildings is an exciting trend that is sure to have a major impact on the future of the built environment.
More Sustainable Buildings
There’s also a trend towards more sustainable buildings. We’re seeing more buildings being built to meet LEED standards, and there’s a greater focus on energy efficiency. This trend is being driven by a combination of factors, including government regulations, the need to reduce operating costs, and increasing awareness of the role that buildings play in climate change.
Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices are becoming increasingly popular in smart buildings. IoT devices can collect data about everything from energy use to occupancy levels in a commercial setting. This data can then be used to make your building more energy-efficient and comfortable for occupants. For example, if sensors detect that a room is unoccupied, the climate control can be automatically adjusted accordingly.
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Smart Lighting
One of the simplest and most effective ways smart buildings are helping make businesses more energy-efficient is to upgrade to LED lighting. LED lights use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, saving businesses money on their energy bills while reducing your carbon footprint. But LED lights are more than just energy savers—they’re also incredibly versatile. With smart lighting, businesses can program their lights to adjust automatically based on the time of day, occupancy levels, and natural light availability. This not only saves energy—but also makes your building more comfortable for occupants.
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Integrated Systems
Finally, we see a trend towards more integrated systems in buildings. Operators are using technology to connect different systems to work together more effectively. For example, connecting HVAC systems to lighting systems so that they can be controlled from one central location. The need for efficient and cost-effective operations drives this trend.
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Sustainable Construction Materials
Sustainable Construction Materials will become more widely used as people become more aware of their environmental impact. There is a growing awareness of the need to be more environmentally conscious, which is reflected in the real estate industry. Sustainable construction materials have a lower environmental impact than traditional materials. This can include anything from recycled steel to bamboo instead of timber.
A Greater Focus on Occupant Health and Wellbeing
We’re seeing a shift in how buildings are designed and operated. There’s a greater focus on occupant health and well-being, with an emphasis on providing a clean and healthy environment for people to work in. This trend is being driven by advances in technology and a growing body of evidence showing the link between indoor air quality and health.
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The Evolution of Smart Buildings
The concept of the smart building has been around for quite some time. The first examples date back to the late 19th century. However, it wasn’t until the 21st century that smart buildings started to take off, thanks to technological advances and increased awareness of the importance of sustainability.
As technology evolves, smart buildings are likely to become increasingly common, changing how we live and work. By using technology to improve their function, smart buildings are more sustainable, energy-efficient, and save businesses money. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye out for these exciting smart building trends in 2023!
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Last Updated on January 20, 2023 by Josh Mahan
