Smart building technology is producing energy savings of 8% to 18% in the commercial building sector, according to a new report by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.
While large showcase buildings have been the first to deploy smart building technologies, the potential for savings is great among other subsectors including Class B offices, small chain and independent retail stores, middle-tier franchise hotels, and regional nonteaching hospitals, the report says. Here’s how ACEEE assesses savings potential in these sectors:
· Offices (18% average savings) Occupancy sensors, smart thermostats, and HVAC and lighting controls can help reduce energy usage in unoccupied offices, conference rooms, and other spaces. Smart systems have been shown to improve worker productivity and even increase property value, ACEEE says.
· Retail stores (14% average savings) Smart energy management systems, thermostats, and lights can help reduce energy consumption and create a more comfortable and attractive environment for customers. Some occupancy sensors, like indoor positioning systems, can also provide a retailer with valuable data on customer behavior in the store.
· Hotels (8% average savings) Guest management systems and mobile check-in can work hand in hand with energy-saving smart technologies that control guest room HVAC systems and window shading. Smart controls can also help reduce energy from lighting and HVAC in conference areas and pumps in pool and spa areas.
· Hospitals (14% average savings) Smart technologies can help address the long operating hours and high equipment loads in hospitals. For instance, smart lighting systems can reduce energy use and increase patient comfort by better matching light output to occupancy and user needs. Without wasting energy, smart sensors and ventilation controls can maintain the ventilation needed to prevent the spread of diseases.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 29, 2020
Crackdowns grow on construction firms that fail to follow COVID-19 guidelines
States, cities, and OSHA enforce social distancing, hand-washing regulations.
Codes and Standards | Jul 28, 2020
California utility adopts climate emergency declaration
Sacramento-region company commits to working towards carbon neutrality by 2030.
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2020
Updated Energy Plus and OpenStudio building energy modeling tools released
Software offers performance enhancements.
Codes and Standards | Jul 23, 2020
North Carolina will stop relying on FEMA flood mapping
State will identify flood zones on its own.
Codes and Standards | Jul 22, 2020
New version of IAPMO’s Water Demand Calculator is available
Enhanced features include selection between single- and multifamily buildings.
Codes and Standards | Jul 22, 2020
Mobile app calculates sound transmission for wood-framed assemblies
American Wood Council tool for floor-ceiling assemblies.
Codes and Standards | Jul 22, 2020
Architecture billings remain in negative territory, begin to stabilize
Fewer architecture firms report declining billings this month.
Codes and Standards | Jul 20, 2020
N.Y. construction firm to pay $1.5 million to settle sexual harassment claim
Managers said to demand sex for pay and OT opportunities.
Codes and Standards | Jul 16, 2020
Tips to make optimal use of salvaged materials
Integrated teams, staging warehouse, and looking early and often, among recommendations.
Codes and Standards | Jul 15, 2020
Georgia gives the go-ahead for tall mass timber construction
Standards review scheduled to be completed by July 2021.