Overall, sensor data can be a valuable tool for reducing costs and improving the performance of buildings by providing real-time information on occupancy, utilization, and environmental conditions, which can be used to make more informed decisions about optimising the building’s systems and reducing energy consumption.
Using sensor data to support cost reduction and reduce energy consumption in buildings can have several benefits, including:
- Improved space utilization: By monitoring occupancy, sensors can identify underutilized spaces and redistribute them to areas where they are needed more, reducing the need for additional space and associated costs.
- Increased energy efficiency: By monitoring occupancy and air quality in real-time, sensors can optimize the HVAC system and reduce energy consumption.
- Reduced maintenance costs: By monitoring the equipment’s condition and identifying potential issues before they become critical, sensors can help reduce the need for repairs and maintenance, lowering costs.
- Increased productivity: By monitoring air quality, sensors can be used to improve indoor air quality, which can positively impact the health and productivity of building occupants.
- Compliance: By monitoring occupancy, temperature, humidity, light, etc., sensor data can help to ensure compliance with safety, health and environmental regulations and help to support your NET Zero targets.
- Better decision-making: By providing real-time data on building performance, sensor data can help building managers make more informed decisions about how to improve the performance of the building and reduce costs.
Improvements and Performance
We have put together some examples from corporate and educational organisations that have put sensor technology to good use, along with the benefits they have found.
- The consulting firm Deloitte, which used a combination of occupancy sensors and air quality sensors to improve the energy efficiency of a corporate office building. They found that by using the sensor data to optimize the building’s HVAC system, they were able to reduce energy consumption by 15%.
- Cisco used occupancy sensors to improve the utilization of office spaces in their headquarters. The study found that by using the sensor data to identify underutilized spaces, they were able to redistribute office space to areas where it was needed more, resulting in a 20% increase in the utilization of office spaces.
- Microsoft used a combination of occupancy sensors and air quality sensors to improve the indoor air quality in their corporate office building. They found that by using the sensor data to optimize the building’s ventilation system, they were able to reduce the concentration of CO2 in the building by 40%, resulting in improved air quality for building occupants.
- Harvard Center for Green Buildings and Cities used a combination of occupancy and air quality sensors to improve the energy efficiency of a university building. They found that by using the sensor data to optimize the building’s HVAC system, they were able to reduce energy consumption by 20%.
- University of California, Berkeley, which used occupancy sensors to improve the utilization of study spaces on campus. The study found that by using the sensor data to identify underutilized spaces, they were able to redistribute study space to areas where it was needed more, resulting in a 27% increase in the utilization of study spaces.
- The University of Minnesota, which used a combination of occupancy sensors and air quality sensors to improve the indoor air quality in a university building. They found that by using the sensor data to optimize the building’s ventilation system, they were able to reduce the concentration of CO2 in the building by 50%, resulting in improved air quality for building occupants.
So, why aren’t all organisations using sensors?
There are several reasons why some organizations may not implement sensors to support cost reduction and reduce energy consumption, below are the reasons we have identified from our meetings with clients and how we can help:
- Cost: The initial cost of purchasing and installing sensors can be a barrier for some organizations, particularly for older buildings that may not have the necessary infrastructure in place.
- Based on an annual cost of a desk between £6k-£15k. Our sensor solution can help you manage your assets for as little as 0.5% -1% of these costs per year. Track their utilisation and efficiency and help you make informed decisions about your space.
- Typical ROI is 6-12 months based on the opportunities identified from the sensor data.
- Lack of expertise: Some organizations may not have the expertise or knowledge necessary to properly install, maintain, and interpret sensor data, making it difficult to realize the full benefits of using sensors.
- At Spaceology we provide the expertise and knowledge to implement, maintain and interpret the sensor data so that you can make informed decisions. We work with your in-house teams and transfer our knowledge to ensure your organisation benefit from the sensor data.
- Data management: Collecting and managing large amounts of sensor data can be complex and time-consuming, requiring specialized software and personnel.
- Unlike many other sensor technology organisations, we are not here to sell boxes but to provide solutions and services. We manage the collection, interpretation, and delivery of the sensor data in a format you can work with.
- Privacy concerns: Some organisations may be hesitant to install sensors due to privacy concerns related to collecting and using data on building occupants.
- We don’t collect data on people, we collect data on spaces and how they are used. All of the data we collect is anonymised. We work with you to ensure your communication with staff helps them to understand why sensors are being implemented.
- Lack of awareness: Some organizations may not be aware of the potential benefits of using sensors or the solutions available to them.
- If you are unsure of sensor technology but are interested in finding out, please get in touch. We are happy to give you an insight into the pros and cons of the technology, the benefits and what to avoid.
- Resistance to change: Employees or management may resist introducing new technology to monitor spaces and activities.
- Our sensor technology has been developed on the back of 35+ years in the workplace strategy and change industry. We can help with supporting you through this process. The benefit of understanding how you use your space is that you become aware of the opportunities to introduce better working environments for your businesses and people.
Conclusion
Overall, implementing sensors to support cost reduction and reduce energy consumption can be a complex and challenging process that requires a significant investment of time and resources. However, for organizations that can overcome these challenges, the benefits of using sensors can be substantial in terms of cost savings and improved building performance.
At Spaceology, we believe that managing your space properly will increase the quality of your office space while reducing the amount of space you need.