By Christopher Larry, Director of Energy Engineering | EXP

Technological advancements are constantly evolving, altering how buildings are designed. As the industry becomes increasingly more connected and technology-driven, building design and construction are rapidly modernizing to adapt.

Since its introduction to the United States in the 1980s, building intelligence has evolved from simple automation systems to complex networks of interconnected devices and systems that enhance building functionality, safety and sustainability. This evolution comes from advancements in information technology, including the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable design practices to combat the growing effects of climate change.

Smart and intelligent buildings

“Smart” or “intelligent” buildings are technological advancements in building technology that enable automated and responsive systems. While the terms are often used interchangeably, smart building primarily focuses on individual connected devices and user-controlled automation and intelligent building takes this further by utilizing advanced data analysis and machine learning to optimize building operations based on real-time conditions. Intelligent buildings are designed to automatically respond and adjust to their environment, minimizing the need for user intervention.

Smart buildings use microprocessors to enhance the functionality of various devices. Using IoT to extend these devices enables the sharing of device data, which can improve efficiency and streamline workflows across different departments within a business. The IoT could be within an internal facility network or the internet. Device data can be real-time or trends, allowing firms to monitor operations, automate repetitive tasks, optimize resource usage and make data-driven decisions. Businesses increase profits by reducing operating costs, enhancing property value and boosting staff productivity. Productivity improves through faster work completion, better teamwork, increased wellness, fewer sick days and a positive work environment that encourages employee retention.

In retail environments, smart technology enables retailers to gather data that provides customers with personalized experiences such as promotions or augmented reality for browsing and trying products. Additionally, in stores, these technologies can enhance indoor air quality, lighting and sound systems to create a seamless shopping experience.

Digitization involves integrating new and existing building systems and equipment to generate data outputs, allowing for the creation of a history, images or projection of their operations. The visual representation of the building is a digital twin, which can combine multiple programs to create a comprehensive representation of the interoperability of multiple complex systems.

Incorporating technology into every project

When building systems work together, they create an efficient building experience for owners, operators, occupants and the environment. Advanced systems analytics allow engineers to identify patterns that inform building operations and maintenance decisions. This is important to optimize energy use, eliminate unnecessary costs and waste, respond to the occupants in the building or respond to occupants not in the building.

By combining all building systems into one package, we can develop a cost-effective, intelligent and integrated building design. Our teams consider the materials, equipment and systems including:

  • HVAC systems
  • Renewable energy systems
  • Electrical switchgear, panels and lighting systems
  • Metering systems (electric, gas, fuel, water, etc.)
  • Plumbing fixtures and systems (water heaters, lavatories, etc.)
  • Smart windows
  • Door access systems
  • Parking and garage systems
  • Elevators and escalators
  • Video surveillance and security cameras
  • Hoteling and space reservation system

Play the long game

Cost is an essential consideration for implementing smart technologies. As a multidisciplinary team of engineers and architects, we identify opportunities to reinforce environmental stewardship, improve occupant comfort and safety, address resilience to climate change and promote cost-effectiveness. The incorporation of technology is only effective if it is affordable. In most cases, clients are impacted by the upfront costs, but later see long-term sustainability, comfort and resiliency benefits.

Environmental – If systems interoperate, they can consume less energy, thus reducing their environmental footprint. Interoperating equipment often reduces duplication, reducing the excess materials required in building construction.

Comfort + safety – Comfort can be enhanced through monitoring and control of the indoor environment. Connectivity with the occupants can allow people in the space to control their comfort or create a feeling of control. Safety can be an extension of comfort. Safety may center on digital cameras, limiting unwanted individuals’ access to the building or security systems.

Resilience – The capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties is inherently a design characteristic. Smart and Intelligent solutions are part of this greater approach to building resiliency. The buildings we live in today experience events that buildings designed in the past were not equipped to withstand. Smart systems can communicate their operating conditions, including any stressors such as temperature fluctuations, sensor malfunctions, system compatibility issues or security breaches. These early notifications allow for the occupants to be informed and give building owners the information they need to address the issues. If systems can intercommunicate, conditions can be addressed, or auxiliary equipment can be activated to support the extreme loads.

District Center Project, Washington, DC

Completed in 2019, the District Center Project exemplifies how smart technology can benefit building owners and occupants. Working with JLL’s Smart Building Advisory team, EXP was tasked to support the transformation of the 1990s-era, 30-year mixed-use building into a connected building. At the time, many tenants moved out due to poor comfort, dated technology and ongoing system failures. To help our client transform the building, our team initiated a new Facility Network (FACLAN) to allow smart devices to communicate on a centralized network. The retrofit with IP-Infrastructure made interoperation capabilities easier, including the HVAC system. This transition created an environment where tenants had operational control from their smartphones. We integrated this into the lighting systems to enable individual occupant control. All the utility meters were digitized, and energy use was managed and reduced by over 30%. New IP cameras were added and upgraded with anti-loitering, license plate and facial recognition to increase security and safety. The access doors and elevators were automated so approved personnel could access and operate the building using their smartphones. They also added amenities like conference and entertainment centers in the building, which could be reserved and accessed by all tenants through their smartphones, which enabled the building to provide added resources and encourage residents to continue renting.

EXP was the designer of record and provided design consulting, supported in selecting contractors, managed the contracts and assisted with project management. We also fully commissioned the FACLAN, HVAC, lighting, metering, cameras, access control and fault diagnostics algorithm platform.

EXP has worked with commercial, telecommunications and federal organizations to support their smart technology goals.

Smart and intelligent buildings play an essential role in all types of sustainable development and offer technological benefits for corporations, developers and building owners. As technology continues to advance, we are working with our clients to adapt and create smarter buildings for occupants and address the growing concern of climate change.

Contact Christopher Larry to learn more about Intelligent Buildings at EXP.