The smartest buildings in the world
Developers and landlords are beginning to see new requirements in the construction of commercial real estate buildings. They are looking for office spaces that facilitate collaboration and can adapt to their changing work processes. To meet these needs for superior connectivity, optimized management systems, and energy efficiency, developers have used the Internet of things (IoT) and green design methods to develop smart buildings.
Smart buildings offer enhanced building security and dynamic workplaces that interact with employees to drive productivity and promote employee well-being. They currently occupy a relatively small part of the commercial building market, but represent the future of commercial real estate.
Below are three examples of smart buildings in use today. Each of them illustrates the benefits for employees in the long term and serves as a guide for developers who want to take advantage of IOT connectivity to present a unique commercial offer.
The Edge, Amsterdam: the greenest building in the world
Since its opening in 2015, Edge has been considered the smartest, greenest building in the world. According to the British real estate appraisal Agency BREEAM, Edge consumes 70% less electricity than comparable office buildings. Both the roof and the South-facing facade of the Edge contain many photovoltaic panels for solar energy collection (the largest of all office buildings in Europe), and the thermal energy storage aquifer system provides all the energy needed for heating and cooling. building. The Edge also includes bat houses and a beehive, becoming a practical solution to the environmental conservation program. In addition to these “green” features, Edge itself is a comprehensive IOT ecosystem that offers its tenants a dynamic workspace. The garage recognizes the owner of the car when it arrives, and directs it to the Parking lot in an optimal trajectory. Working with a smartphone app developed by the Edges tenant, Deloitte, employees register when they arrive and are redirected to one of several open workplace options based on their daily work schedule, from standard desks to permanent desks, work booths, meeting rooms, balcony seats, or rooms specifically designed for deep concentration. The special Edges smartphone app also knows each employee’s preferences for the light and temperature of the workplace, and adjusts its environment accordingly when entering the workspace.
Cisco headquarters in Canada, Toronto: productivity, efficiency and collaboration
As with dynamic Edges workspaces, employees at Cisco’s Toronto headquarters do not have permanent jobs. When an employee arrives, the smartphone app directs them to the workplace, which automatically syncs with their comfort and lighting preferences. The goal is to promote greater flexibility and collaboration among employees. Smart meeting spaces and common areas adapt to the needs of employees, and conference rooms have retractable walls that can combine and open up spaces for large meetings or training sessions.
Cisco headquarters boasts a number of IOT-driven efficiency systems that reduce energy consumption and operating costs. For example, its smart Elevator system is designed to reduce the amount of energy wasted on empty rides. Instead of pressing a button to raise or lower, office workers choose the floor they are heading to when they approach the Elevator door via a smartphone. The system selects the Elevator closest to their current location, delivering the employee to the floor with the minimum amount of empty time.
Capital Tower, Singapore: promoting employee health and safety
Built in 2000, Capital Tower is the oldest building on this list, but it still has many smart features that contribute to energy efficiency. Capital Tower was the first office building in Singapore to provide a wireless local area network (WLAN) throughout the building. Features such as smart lighting significantly reduce the building’s operating costs and carbon footprint, and the HVAC system inside the building uses energy recovery, which returns cold air to maintain the efficiency of the chillers. In addition to reliable connectivity, Capital Towers intelligent systems promote Wellness by providing excellent air quality. IoT sensors evaluate factors such as temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration to maintain an optimal balance for both productivity and health. In the garage, a set of sensors constantly measures the level of carbon monoxide and starts the exhaust fan system when the pollution level reaches certain thresholds. This cost-effective response mechanism helps reduce health risks while reducing wasteful energy costs when garage traffic is low and outdoor air quality is good.