To address energy security issues and environmental concerns there is an urgent need to develop techniques
that greatly reduce energy use and peak electric power in buildings while providing or improving service
What is a Smart Building?
Can be summed up as an automated or largely automated self monitoring building
Can be installed on any building either through tenant improvements or planned into a new constructi
on project.
Involves multiple dimensions that include HVAC control, Cabling, Lighting Controls, Access Control
, and Data Networking.
Defined as a building that includes integrated design of infrastructure, building and facility systems,
communications, business systems and technology solutions
What is a Green Building?
Has very little to no impact on the environment
Can be used in either new construction or as tenant improvements.
Usually involves making the building more efficient in regards to consumption. This can be in terms o
f energy, water or other categories such as air quality.
Multiple definitions but all involve protecting and often enhancing the land that the building
is
built upon.
The Intelligent Building
An intelligent building generally takes a TopDown holistic perspective in looking at every aspect of
a customers operation that has the potential to impact energy and costs. This includes energy genera
tion.
Then the planning and specifying of the technology and systems to enable the functionality can occur
. Solutions may include not only the electrical, mechanical and IT infrastructure but space utilization a
nd people loading factors.
Green techniques are then applied to make a business proficient building environmentally efficient an
d provide a sooner ROI through reduced utilities usage.
Energy Benefits
Lowers energy cost and in some cases if generators are installed on the premises can actually provide
power to the grid.
Managing more green and volatile energy by up to 30%. This also allows operating the grid safely
and securely and delivering better quality power while drastically reducing network losses for
the building
Can be achieved with the addition of on site fuel cells or other power generation capabilities
Facility Management Tools
Work Order System - This is a system that can initiate work orders, assign tasks to internal staff or third
party contractors, track the work orders, and archive records.
Preventative and Predictive Maintenance - This application is used to prevent failure of equipment through
the use of suggested preventative maintenance from the manufacturer or by predicting equipment failure
based on equipment data or usage
Space Planning - allows for the development of alternative space layout and provides the basis for real and
well-organized space design and planning
Material and Equipment Parts Inventory Control - This is basically a system that tracks inventory and
identifies inventory needs, possibly automatically triggering purchase orders of parts and equipment based on
certain thresholds established by the facility manager.
Asset Management - It should contain all the details for each piece of equipment. This should include the
name of the item, serial numbers, location, warranties, model number, manufacturer and its maintenance
history
Data standards - This would include document management, naming conventions and standardized databases
BIM Integration - Building Information Modeling
Benefits from an Intelligent Building
Tenant Owner
Good control of internal climate conditions
Possibility of individual room control
across the entire building
Improved interior reliability and life
(office plants and equipment)
Effective response to HVACrelated
complaints due to monitoring
Easy maintenance
Owner
Usually can receive a higher rental value
Adaptability on change of building use
Individual tenant billing for utilities can
make leases easier to negotiate and
enforce
Central/remote control and monitoring
of building
Increased level of comfort and time
Saving
Ease of information if any problems arise
Computerized maintenance that can be
Scheduled
Early detection of problems
Reference:
The Green Building Behind the Smart Building: Can you have both? By. Jared Rodio
Defining a Smart Building: Part One by. Jim Sinopoli
