Almost two years ago, seven intelligent buildings were showcased as proof that smart buildings work. Configurations extended beyond the automated lighting, shading, and HVAC configurations and have advanced, real-time controls of the building’s energy efficiency, comfort levels, access, fire alarms, and more. Architizer Editors state, “Most advanced intelligent building solutions are often found in buildings that may lack architectural flashiness but successfully demonstrate how digitally driven design can influence the environmental, structural, and energy profile of a built project.”
Smart buildings’ digitally driven design infers the capability to analyze existing infrastructure, energy, traffic, and occupant usage. It can then map the results to appropriate technologies for either rehabilitation and upgrades to existing infrastructure or in the planning of new smart buildings.
Smart city teams comprised of key stakeholders, technologists, planners, designers, engineers, environmental, financial and recreation specialists, along with a host of others, have or will add real estate and commercial building developers to their teams. These teams could change the face of a city and its intertwined functions.
Recently, IDC Energy Insights reported that “project spending for smart buildings will grow from $7.3 billion in 2014 to $21.9 billion in 2018.”
“While the ‘Internet of Things’ is the topic of much speculation in the consumer market, smart building technology has steadily been increasing its footprint and impact among commercial buildings. Smart building solutions are valuable technologies for deploying energy management strategies that generate operational efficiencies, cost containment, and sustainability benefits that appeal to key stakeholders in building management,” said Jill Feblowitz, vice president, IDC Energy Insights.
Cost savings, sustainability and high consumer appeal fuel this market. Have your smart buildings proven themselves? Are you integrating with your city or your developer to take advantage of truly interconnected technologies that benefit all? Review the seven smart buildings highlighted in this article, and let us know what you think @smartcityc.
