Digitalizing buildings to reduce energy consumption

Opting to integrate high energy efficiency systems in newly constructed facilities or buildings is easier than doing so in places that were built at a time when energy savings and IoT technology did not yet exist.

The good news is that there are ways to turn an old facility into a smart, modern space.

We tell you in this quick guide how to do it:

Modernizing old facilities is quite a challenge. And even more so when it comes to incorporating new technologies. Buildings and warehouses built decades ago were not designed to adapt to the needs of today’s world. Energy saving, climate change and people’s well-being rule and it is necessary to update.

Fortunately, using new building automation technologies, it is possible to convert any old building into a modern and efficient one without losing its charm.

Automation: the way forward

Building automation offers a proactive way to modernize space, ensuring that facilities always operate efficiently and sustainably.

But what exactly is automation? These systems use sensors, controllers, gateways and software to monitor and manage the building’s energy use, temperature, lighting and everything else you need to control.

These systems function as the brain of the building. They make sure everything works well.

How do automation systems work?

Building automation systems (often abbreviated as BAS, BMS, BACS, EMS, BEMS, EMOS or another acronym) are centralized computer networks that connect and control various building systems, such as HVAC, lighting, security, industrial cooling, and other mechanical and electrical systems.

These systems work while providing Facility Managers of buildings and facilities with data to analyze and optimize their operation.

In addition, they can detect faults before they become major problems, helping FMs to act before it is too late.

Reactive vs proactive: what’s the difference?

There are two types of buildings: reactive and proactive.

Reactive buildings (or reactive automation systems) only respond to problems when they occur. For example, the facility FM calls the maintenance team to fix the problem if the air conditioning fails.

This approach can mean higher maintenance costs and longer downtimes, as problems are not detected until they have already occurred.

Proactive buildings, on the other hand, use automation solutions that anticipate and prevent problems before they occur. By choosing a solution with some type of prediction functionality, you can compensate for shortcomings of older machines.

Smart features

Things usually go wrong when no one is watching. OTEA’s intelligent functions are like a watchman who never sleeps or looks away. This way, if something goes wrong, you’ll know.

Imagine having a supervisor who is always on call to check that your facilities are working. These systems monitor facilities 24/7 and alert FMs to potential issues in advance, allowing for quick action and avoiding costly downtime.

In addition, the systems adjust lighting, heating and cooling based on factors such as facility usage, time of day and weather. This improves energy efficiency and saves money in the long run.

Where to start?

Modernizing an old building and integrating new technologies requires a step-by-step approach. Here are some recommendations:

1. Conduct an energy audit to see where you can optimize energy use.

This typically involves a thorough examination of the building’s energy use patterns, systems, and equipment. The objective is to identify areas of inefficiency and savings potential.

By collecting data, inspecting physical equipment, testing systems performance, and planning for actual needs, you get a much clearer picture of where you should start.

2. Determine which solutions best adapt to the needs of your facilities

If you want to reduce the operating costs of logistics warehouses or buildings, it is worth examining their main systems, such as ventilation, heating or industrial cooling systems. To better monitor and control these systems, you can use a SCADA platform, which offers more advanced features.

However, if you have a lot of decentralized facilities like stores and are looking for a simpler solution, IoT integration might be a better option as it is lightweight and easy to use. In addition, it provides useful data for the optimization of machines and systems.

3. Install the necessary sensors, controls and software solutions.

Choosing a more knowledgeable service provider gives you efficient setups and less risk. When someone contacts us to deploy control hardware, we always recommend engaging the EcoMT engineering team, the company that created OTEA, or a certified partner; We just think they are the best at it.

4. Track, track, track

Get used to regularly consulting the data provided. The system does not take care of everything once it is installed.

Scheduling maintenance, performing equipment inspections, and continuing to train and educate yourself on the system is a never-ending game.

These are tasks that you should not miss if you want to continue keeping up with the technology you have invested in.

Remember that these automation systems make your daily life easier, but they require your time to take advantage of the data.

In summary, it is possible to update stores, logistics warehouses or already built buildings and make them efficient and proactive using automation systems.

These smart technologies allow you to control and prevent problems, saving energy and avoiding costly downtime.

You just need good planning, choosing the appropriate solutions and giving them constant monitoring.

Keeping up to date with technology and continuous learning is key to making the most of its benefits and ensuring optimal building performance.