Today’s buildings are getting healthier, smarter and a lot more sensitive. CCN Editor, Sandra Rossi, examines the trends driving this new landscape.
Sustainable buildings have become the new standard especially as the entire world heads towards net zero.
But it isn’t just about design features and indoor comfort.
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised the bar when it comes to Indoor Air Quality.
Safety is at the forefront of purchasing decisions.
In recent years building controls have made buildings smarter and more responsive to the needs of tenants.
Today building owners are taking this to the next level with the deployment of sensors.
This has transformed building operations making our buildings more sensitive and aware.
Smart buildings use technologies such as the 'Internet of things' (IoT) which connects devices, such as sensors, lighting and security, to the internet using embedded software and sensors to communicate with one another. By communicating with one another devices can monitor themselves and act when necessary.
Sensors can be used to collect data about how building equipment and spaces are being used. This provides managers with an overview of building operations.
Just as manufacturers are automating production and warehouses are becoming ‘self aware’, buildings today boast air-conditioning and heating systems that can turn on and off based on the occupancy of a room.
At the same time, sensors can check for room occupancy and match patterns to energy use throughout the day;
Temperature sensors are particularly useful in server rooms which can become overheated resulting in outages and breakdowns.
A buildings that is setting the benchmark in Australia is Sydney’s Quay Quarter Tower (QQT) which is scheduled for completion later this year.
It is already being heralded as one of the city’s most innovative office buildings.
The development 'upcycles' an existing skyscraper from the 1970's into stacked 'vertical villages' positioned around a central atrium.
This is designed to maximise light and foster interaction among the building's occupants.
The QQT will incorporate digital technologies, including enterprise-grade wireless and embedded smart systems, creating an experience-rich environment for tenants.
Sensors enable real-time visibility and insight into all areas of building operations creating an environment sensitive to the needs of tenants.