Energy consumption is one of the major issues for future generations. This is an ecological, economic and social issue, which is also part of a profound change in the demographic situation. If the smart building is in some way the ideal device to ensure that no one misses out on the climate-geographic transition, everyone – citizens as well as private and public companies – must become full-fledged players in this crucial project.
Ecological and energy transition: definitions and issues
If the word “intelligent” is much talked about, it is because it is associated with all areas of activity in our modern society. At a time when global temperatures are reaching unprecedented peaks, public authorities are becoming aware of the vital importance of the energy transition.
Big data, artificial intelligence and the digital revolution are just some of the ways in which mankind is changing the way it uses natural resources. The smart building is an excellent illustration of the extent to which the ecological transition depends on the energy transition, since the latter aims to optimize the storage and distribution of energy in city districts.
To meet all these expectations, the intelligent building has well-defined characteristics, of which we can cite a few examples:
- the installation of sensors allows the windows to be tinted according to the luminosity;
- Photovoltaic panels and wind turbines give homes total energy autonomy;
- home automation rationalizes the distribution and consumption of electricity in the home;
- Connected devices provide information on user behavior and encourage them to become engaged ” consumer actors”.
Intelligent building, key to the energy transition for greener buildings
Intelligent buildings, although a recent engineering and architectural concept, deserve to be passed on. They embody the energy efficiency of the ecological transition, which is itself at the center of environmental management systems, with multiple and intertwined issues. In other words, today’s world is faced with a complex management of its territory and its occupants. The challenge is to keep up with technological innovations, to exploit the valuable potential of renewable energies and to achieve substantial savings, while avoiding impacting the environment.
As such, intelligent buildings, also known as buildings of the future, are equipped with a plethora of connected equipment, aiming to curb water and electricity waste. If we were to retain only one piece of information about the smart building, it would probably be summed up in this sentence: “the intelligent building, for controlled energy consumption “.
Safer intelligent buildings thanks to connected objects
In tomorrow’s smart building, all the players in mobility and connectivity will be at their best, thanks to the prowess of modern technologies. Intensive automation of buildings and their equipment makes energy efficiency and substantial savings almost child’s play. Between the optimal use of land and the consideration of environmental issues, the buildings of the future are definitely not doing things by halves.
If you’re still wondering about intelligent building and its definition, don’t think it’s a complicated concept.
Designed around a network of sensors ingeniously orchestrated to match the habitat and occupants’ behavior, smart buildings aim for energy efficiency at low cost. For this, it is imperative that all its technical systems interact with each other, in addition to generating electricity, or avoiding waste.
Examples abound:
- indoor and outdoor lighting,
- the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning trio,
- opening safety,
- a wider range of services, made possible by the collection and centralization of user data,
- scheduled maintenance,
- permanent access to the Internet, facilitating information sharing and communication.
Remote surveillance, alarms, smoke detectors: the role of connected objects in improving building security
Home automation is a vast field, where intelligent building, also known as connected building, not only finds its rightful place, but also acquires its first-rate equipment.
Because it needs to be flexible and scalable over time, the smart building is surrounded by IoT innovation, which is bringing about a veritable revolution in building security management. Here are some of the most common examples, which have convinced many users:
- remote surveillance erects a dummy barrier to protect against theft, vandalism and industrial espionage,
- smoke detectors are essential in all main rooms, for effective fire prevention,
- systematically maintaining the right temperatures, without excesses or leaks, saves money in the short and long term,
- video surveillance provides reassurance at all times, even when you’re away from home for long periods.