The Role of Smart Buildings in the Community & Their Benefits

Smart buildings in communities are becoming increasingly popular and are expected to further increase in the future. These buildings focus on urbanisation and technological advancements to benefit the community, businesses and places. Smart buildings are becoming the norm as more and more technology gets introduced to make our lives easier. But what does this mean for communities? 

Explore the role of smart buildings in the community and find their benefits to help you understand just why this rise in the technological infrastructure is occurring.

What are smart buildings?

Smart buildings are smart because of the technologies and systems that are integrated within them. A smart building doesn’t mean the physical structure itself, it’s all about what’s inside the structure that makes it smart. The technology used in these buildings allows them to intelligently manage different processes. For example, having mobile connectivity and Wi-Fi systems or lighting, heating and security systems. These technologies transform a traditionally one-dimensional building into an alive hub of technology.

How do smart buildings work?

Smart buildings are designed to monitor performance using a variety of metrics, like comfort, efficiency and productivity. This is done through the use of digital sensors that gathers data and connects with software to give optimisation opportunities. For example, sensors may be used in offices for rooms they rarely use as lights can turn off when there’s inactivity. This adjusts the building’s energy usage to be more environmentally friendly and cost-efficient.

Why have smart buildings in the community?

There are three main reasons why smart buildings are being used in communities for businesses and community hubs. These are:

  • Reduces costs: Smart buildings significantly reduce operational and maintenance costs through energy-efficient systems and predictive maintenance. This lowers utility bills and reduces time and money spent on repairs.
  • Boost productivity: Smart buildings enhance comfort through climate control, lighting and air quality. This impacts occupants’ well-being and productivity. Having a comfortable work environment or community hub improves the community’s mindset and allows them to be productive no matter what they are doing. 
  • Efficient maintenance: The technology used in smart buildings allows predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring of systems. This reduces costs and time that is spent on repairs and maintaining the building. Having technology doing this boosts the longevity of the infrastructure, making the building last longer in the community.
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Examples of smart buildings

There are huge popular examples of smart buildings scattered all across the world that truly showcase the magnificence of smart buildings and highlight how they can work effectively. These are:

  • Frasers Tower Singapore: Home to IT giant Microsoft, this building uses smart sensors and is integrated with Microsoft applications.
  • The London Underground: Made with mobile connectivity on 4G and 5G mobiles.
  • Empire State New York: An iconic skyscraper that even though it’s a historical landmark, it has been retrofitted with advanced technology.
  • Tottenham Hotspur Stadium London: This is a new ground that is a very advanced stadium as it uses automation and connection to minimise friction and optimise the experience.
  • Burj Khalifa Dubai: The world’s tallest structure and one of the smartest buildings in the world as Dubai wants to become a smart city. The building collects real-time analytics to create performance dashboards and reports. 

Technologies used in smart buildings

There are many popular technologies used in smart buildings to make them what they are. These focus on interactive experience, adapting to occupants’ preferences and they continuously evolve to improve efficiency and comfort. 

Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)

DAS systems receive signals from close mobile towers, amplifying and distributing them throughout the building. This lets users have strong and reliable 4G and 5G network service even in areas of the building where the signal tends to drop or be non-existent.

Mobile Connectivity

Mobile connectivity is a game-changer and hugely popular for making buildings smart. Having this available enables effective and smooth communication between various building systems and occupants’ mobile devices. Occupants can remotely control aspects of the building through this mobile connectivity such as lighting, temperature and security systems. This makes vital aspects much more convenient and efficient in its operations.

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Sensors and data collection

Sensors are vital in a smart building as they gather data about a building’s environment and occupancy. They can track variables such as movement, temperature and air quality. This means that sensors can help with how the building works, controlling lights and temperatures, as well as helping to improve air quality to ensure healthy and fresh air is being breathed by the whole community. 

Sensors that help with temperature control, light control and smart payment machines and sensors are even starting to be implemented in religious and cultural buildings, such as when designers build a mosque they integrate smart sensors for the place of worship to be more efficient and eco-friendly.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI is regularly used in smart buildings to interpret large amounts of data that are collected by sensors and IoT devices. It uses the information to predict adjustments in building systems to optimise energy use and operational efficiency. AI algorithms can learn patterns and preferences to personalise the building’s responses to its occupants. 

Internet of Things (IoT) 

IoT technology can connect multiple devices and systems within a building, from security cameras to HVAC units. Having an interconnected network allows real-time data to be exchanged and controlled. This improves the responses to those in the building and can adapt to the building environment and management. 

Benefits of smart buildings for the community

There is a vast array of benefits of smart buildings for the community which is why they are growing in popularity. These are:

  • Reduces costs
  • Optimised energy usage 
  • Real-time insights and analysis
  • Better comfort for occupants
  • Automation opportunities
  • Predictive maintenance
  • New workplace opportunities
  • Increases the asset value
  • More environmentally friendly
  • Stronger security in the community.
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Smart buildings help to improve communities and the experiences they face daily. Through technological advancements, these buildings can put people first, allowing them to be happier and more relaxed in everything they do. As well as this, smart buildings strive toward a greener future in every community, looking after our planet and allowing us to enjoy it for longer.