A New Era in Sustainable Property Investments
By Rose Morrison, managing editor of Renovated
Between hybrid work roles and the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, smart technology and digitization are everywhere. As the world steps into the future, smart buildings are increasingly becoming a solution for meeting commercial real estate and sustainability needs.
Smart buildings use technology to control building features and make them more efficient. Features like Internet of Things (IoT) devices collect data and adjust settings for the best efficiency and comfort. A smart building’s IT infrastructure manages all the lights, temperature control, security and alarms in one streamlined system.
With increasing climate change awareness, smart buildings are stepping into the spotlight. Currently, the smart building market is expected to grow to $568.02 billion in value by 2032. Smart buildings are improving commercial property values while creating greener spaces for everyone.
How Data Is Driving Change
Smart buildings harness the power of data to elevate construction. Commercial smart buildings can collect and analyze enormous amounts of data on practically anything you need. With this data, smart buildings can adjust features as required for reduced energy consumption, making a greener space.
Smart sensors and IoT devices monitor smart buildings, gathering data on temperature, water use, lighting and air quality. Building managers can analyze this data and adjust features based on demand. For example, managers might adjust heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) settings when fewer people are in the building, reducing energy use. With smart buildings working around occupants, everyone stays comfortable while reducing expenses.
Additionally, smart technology can use data analytics to predict use and inefficiencies. As winter sets in, managers can look at these analytics to see when energy spikes happen. They’ll make adjustments based on these predictions and avoid energy spikes or waste. Meanwhile, net-zero buildings draw power during off-peak periods to reduce grid strain. With support from smart building data, building managers and owners can make more sustainable choices and maximize efficiency.
The Benefits of Smart Buildings
Smart buildings are a great solution to meeting environmental goals and sustaining urbanization. These buildings make daily operations more efficient while reducing their environmental impact. While smart spaces require more upfront investment in technology, they offer many benefits to the commercial real estate industry.
1. Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is an important benefit of smart buildings. Traditional buildings might run on outdated systems and lack advanced technology. Smart buildings use energy-efficient systems that constantly monitor energy use. They can adjust consumption in real time to reduce lighting and temperature control waste. Standard buildings consume more energy than smart constructions, which emphasize reducing energy use based on occupancy and other factors.
2. Sustainable Construction
Smart buildings may also use more sustainable construction. They go beyond energy use, investing in eco-friendly designs and materials to reduce their environmental impact.
Sustainable construction measures include recycled or locally sourced materials. These measures reduce the emissions that come with long transport or new production, reducing the buildings’ environmental impact. Additionally, smart buildings are often designed with sustainability in mind. High-performance insulation, double-pane windows and sunlight-maximizing features make these constructions more energy-efficient.
3. Increased Comfort
While smart buildings focus on going green, they also take occupants into account. If a building is uncomfortable, it drives people away. With smart technology, these buildings can make spaces more comfortable while promoting efficiency. Smart buildings can help boost comfort in these areas:
- Temperature control: Traditionally, the HVAC system works at a set level in commercial buildings. Occupants might become too hot or cold as the number of people in the building changes. Smart buildings can provide custom settings by zone or person without driving up energy costs.
- Lighting: Smart lighting systems and LED lighting use less energy while improving visibility. Smart systems can adjust brightness levels based on natural light. Occupants can comfortably work and live while the system minimizes lighting waste.
- Air quality: Some smart buildings have air quality monitoring systems. These systems monitor building ventilation, humidity and temperature to ensure healthier indoor air.
4. Water Conservation
Water conservation is another improvement smart buildings can make for commercial real estate. Smart buildings with automated water systems will track and manage water use. If any leaks pop up or there’s an unexpected spike in the water usage, the system will detect it. Spaces can get technicians in faster for repairs, reducing water waste.
Efficient fixtures and systems can also improve water conservation in smart buildings. Low-flow toilets, rainwater collection systems, faucet sensors and recycling wash bays reduce water use. In fact, installing faucet sensors alone can decrease water use intensity by 9%. Smart construction combines these measures with data collection to optimize water use for better conservation.
5. Improved Security
Smart buildings can also support sustainability by improving security. With a majority of people expected to live in cities by 2050, smart buildings and cities can make life more comfortable and secure. All those people living in one area have a larger impact on the local ecosystem. The safer and smarter they live, the better it will be for everyone.
Environmental sensors, smart security cameras, biometric access control, and AI-powered surveillance boost security in these areas. Smart systems use real-time monitoring to watch for suspicious activity and immediately alert relevant parties of potential threats. Smart sensors detect smoke, gas, and fire hazards, creating safer environments. Security cameras equipped with cloud-based storage ensure footage is securely archived and easily accessible for future review. Additionally, facial recognition and mobile access systems create secure entry points. These features allow occupants to use buildings sustainably and stay safe.
6. Better Value
Along with better efficiency and sustainability, smart buildings can increase property value. For example, getting a sustainability certification in Los Angeles meant tenants would be comfortable paying $2.91/ft2 , compared to the average of $2.16/ft2.
Additionally, smart building features can attract high-value occupants and investors. Advanced systems make building use more convenient and luxurious. At the same time, smart technology reduces operational costs and allows for more efficient energy use. Combining these features makes smart buildings prime investments in the commercial real estate industry.
Make the Future Sustainable and Safe With Smart Technology
Smart buildings are transforming commercial real estate for everyone. Integrating energy-efficient, secure technology creates sustainable spaces and better value. Smart buildings’ data-driven systems provide real-time monitoring and correction, cutting down on operating costs while supporting green living. As we move forward, it’s important to invest in technology and design that make our spaces safer and more eco-friendly so future generations can also enjoy them.
About the Author
Rose is the managing editor of Renovated and has been writing in the construction industry for over five years. She’s most passionate about sustainable building and incorporating similar resourceful methods into our world. For more from Rose, you can follow her on Twitter.