Smart buildings, also known as intelligent buildings or automated buildings, use smart technology to share information about what is happening in the building between systems so as to optimise their performance. Information shared between systems is then used to automate various processes such as ventilation, heating, security, air conditioning and more. While the ability to control multiple home functions with a touch of a button sounds appealing, this technology has its pros and cons. In this post, we will be looking at the advantages and disadvantages of smart buildings as well as their impacts on the MEP industry.
Advantages of smart buildings
Some of the benefits of smart buildings include reduced energy consumption and operational costs. Unused or under-utilised rooms are easily identified, and this helps minimise operational costs. One university in Sydney synchronised their air conditioning with the room booking platform to ensure that air conditioning was only used when rooms were occupied. For those running businesses in smart buildings, the technology used protects your data by using unidentifiable images of the public or your staff.
Disadvantages of smart buildings
The main drawback of these buildings is, of course, cybersecurity. All devices are connected to a single control network, and there is, therefore, a risk of being hacked. Organisations such as schools and care homes require a consultant to build them a holistic security risk management plan because hackers can comprise the safety of the people in the building.
Impact of smart buildings on the MEP industry
IoT technology used in smart buildings will help with the commissioning and installation of MEP systems during construction. For MEP service providers and contractors, this technology will have long-term impacts on their careers. Devices and systems will be easily connected and configured. This will reduce the amount of labour required for the installation and commissioning of ELV systems as well as IT networks. MEP companies will also be required to train their staff members in regard to cybersecurity, wireless technology, and communication networks. Lastly, there will be a convergence between trades, the MEP industry, and the technology industry, to be exact.