Smart buildings use artificial intelligence to automate mechanical building functions of ventilation, lighting, power, and water. On the other hand, smart building lighting systems showcase human-centric lighting control, mocking natural daylight and night, and are occupant sensitive.
Conservationists estimate that buildings are among the leading emitters of carbon gases and are heavy energy users. Architects are therefore keen on developing more buildings that are efficient and environmental- friendly. Currently, the smartest building in the world is The Edge, located in Amsterdam.
How the Smart Building System Works
An intelligent lighting system is an internet-connected building lighting solution. Mobile apps, voice-activated personal assistants like Alexa, or condition-based technology, can all be used to manage these automated lights remotely.
The beauty of smart building lighting systems is that they are customizable. They are also energy-efficient. Employees people can personalize their surroundings from an app, and corporates interconnect them with building systems.
How Corporates Benefit from AI Controlled Lighting
· Environmental Control and Comfort to Employees
Temperatures are regulated and just right in office spaces for hot places like Los Angeles and during winter. Intelligent lighting commands the shades in offices, opening them when it gets cloudy. AI also manages the ventilation of buildings and air conditioning by turning it on when necessary and turning it off when there is no room occupancy.
- Waste Management
Different types of equipment in the building are optimally used. When there are no people in the room, these pieces of equipment are automatically switched off, minimizing wastage. For instance, soap, water, and toilet paper dispensers in the washrooms dispense when people are present.
- Cutting Costs
Equipment that needs repair and maintenance is detected, and signals are sent to response teams. Early maintenance and repair increase the lifespan of equipment, reducing capital expenditure. For example, toilet flush valves that are not working are repaired before a plumbing issue arises.
Similarly, intelligent lighting systems capable of disinfecting surfaces are turned on when there is no occupancy in building rooms ensuring clean and germ-free surfaces. Automated disinfecting smart lighting systems are a plus during the Covid 19 pandemic.
Companies can save money on cleaning by tracking. They can check how many rooms are occupied. The data can pinpoint areas that require attention rather than cleaning specific areas following a cleaning schedule. The same goes for the lavatories. For example, instead of cleaning on a set schedule, AI can alert cleaners to which lavatories need cleaning after a set number of uses.
- Energy Saving
Lighting accounts for more than 60% of overall electrical energy consumption in a building. It is easy to forget to switch off the lights when leaving a room. Using these lighting controls, energy and cost efficiency increase and bulbs work on demand.
- Better Firm Performance
Smart lighting systems have changed workspaces and enhanced work performance by anticipating employee needs and synchronically responding to them. For instance, in the working spaces, the lighting inside the building emits white light and blue light during productive working hours. Lights also go on when a person enters the lobby.
- Risk Management
Presently, mass media reports of terrorist attacks are rising, and industrial espionage is robbing corporates of their competitive advantage resulting in reduced market share. The taking off employees as hostages severely affects the future working of employees. Corporates, therefore, must use smart buildings to secure workers, company data, and company secrets.
· Fire and Hazards Alerts
In case of a fire or extreme weather conditions like earthquakes necessitating an evacuation, an intelligent lighting system sends signals for evacuation to safety and security teams who coordinate exit from the building.
· Access Control
Every person who enters the premises has to have an access smart card. Unauthorized persons who try to access smart buildings are denied access, and security is immediately alerted of an anticipated intrusion. Also, a network of video surveillance and unique algorithms to detect suspicious activity is on 24/7.
- Keeping Up with the Numbers
Time ins and time outs are automated. So is the human count. Human resource managers can know who came in and at what time. Human traffic in terms of customers served can also be retrieved easily.
- Inexpensive
The majority of these intelligent lighting systems are affordable and as simple to install as a light bulb. There are no learning curves for basic mobile or voice commands, and intelligent devices are all compatible. The least expensive way to control lighting is with smart plugs.
- Keeping Track of Company Assets
The use of beacon technology can be used to keep tabs on the movement of people and things throughout a room. With Bluetooth transceivers implanted in lighting controls, nursing staff in nursing homes and hospitals can spend less time locating medical equipment and more time caring for patients.
- Controlling COVID 19 Transmission
In the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, smart-enabled lighting can allow individuals to enter and exit a facility without using their hands. The technology can also help analyze movement patterns and point out regions of congestion or commonly utilized corridors.
It could also make contact tracing possible, allowing for the anonymous tracking of individuals. Any time a person who has been in contact with that individual turns out to be positive, the system can track them down and send out alerts to everyone they’ve had contact with while they were infected, allowing them to be tested as well.
Caution
Overexposure to white light can cause stress on the body and disrupt your circadian cycle, leading to sleep issues and other health problems. Employees are the most critical asset in an organization, and their environment should be treated with caution.
Closing Remarks
Tenants and building owners alike benefit significantly from intelligent lighting technology integration. Smart lighting in a traditional building reduces energy and operational expenses dramatically. Additionally, safety is improved, comfort is realized, waste is reduced, and more clean surfaces are achieved.
Smart building technology also saves energy by consuming less and using renewable light sources such as solar aside from reducing carbon emissions. The use of intelligent lighting is therefore conscious of conservation efforts.
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