How IoT sensors are enabling growth of the smart building sector

According to Insider Intelligence, the number of smart buildings worldwide is set to soar from 45 million (in 2022) to 115 million by 2026, as demand grows for more secure and energy-efficient developments.

Smart buildings, whether designed as such or as retrofitted existing buildings, rely heavily on Internet of Things (IoT) devices to enable optimal use of resources – making for a more efficient and economical approach to building management and a more comfortable and safer environment for occupants.

These IoT sensors can provide detailed insights that, when combined with bespoke software and building management systems, can help simplify important tasks such as building temperature control, smart water usage, lighting, fire detection, security and access control, pest control, and structural integrity monitoring (or the health of the building itself).

IoT sensors enable the collection and analysis of real-time data, which can be greatly beneficial to building managers and occupants alike by:

Improving the energy efficiency and sustainability of buildings. ESMAP (the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program) say that one-third of global energy is consumed in residential, public, and commercial buildings - for space heating, cooling, ventilating, lighting, cooking, water heating, refrigerating, and operating electric and mechanical devices – and so this becomes a vital part of future-proofing buildings and meeting Net Zero targets.
Reducing maintenance costs. Being able to pre-empt structural health problems in the building, for example problems in water pipes indicated by changes in water pressure, can reduce the maintenance cost by pointing out problems before they become more severe and expensive to correct.
Enhancing occupant comfort, security, and safety. Sensors can, for example, monitor air quality and be the first to flag any dangerous changes in air composition before it becomes a health risk to occupants.

There are many more possibilities for these IoT technologies and, as smart buildings become more prevalent, certain themes are emerging that may define the next decade of innovation.

One such theme is the move towards centralized data storage. By having sensors linked to a central database and unified reporting system, building managers can gain quick visibility into any integrated system and its issues. How this data is stored, and how these centralized systems provide operational insight – perhaps through a new generation of visual, customizable dashboards – will change how we understand, and respond to, the needs of occupants.

This will likely be aligned with increased automation of key building functions. Effective automation systems minimize the need for manual intervention, enhance operational performance, and are ideal for energy-related objectives.

With the increased amount of data and move towards automation, there will be a central role for artificial intelligence and machine learning in smart buildings. Software can monitor and uncover patterns within large datasets and accelerate processes that may otherwise take a long time to review and decode.

One thing is for sure, though. While the technologies will continue to evolve and the opportunities for data-driven software will grow, the success of smart buildings will rely on a vast number of reliable IoT-enabled sensors. Without their ability to collect regular data, none of the other benefits can be realized.

With that in mind, we caught up with our client Nexelec as they introduce a new range of smart sensors to market.

Nexelec: leading the way in smart sensors

Nexelec is the French market leader in sensors for fire safety and air quality, having sold more than 900,000 sensors since the company was founded in 2009.

From their offices based in Vannes, Brittany, Nexelec designs its state-of-the-art products to meet the current and future needs of professionals in the construction sector and building management.

They have several ranges of products, and in September 2023 they’ll launch a new range of innovative products; FEEL, RISE, MOVE and SIGN. These ambient sensors measure various parameters: temperature, humidity, CO2, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), presence, brightness and noise.

These more powerful, modern sensors are ultra-low-maintenance and easier to use – in part thanks to the selection of Saft LS 14500 batteries, chosen for their high energy density and outstanding reliability.

Antoine Durrmann of Nexelec explains how the organization has continued to evolve to meet the growing need for smart sensors in modern buildings.

“We’ve seen sensors for ventilation and aeration, and for energy, become more prominent in the news in recent years. Room sensors have come into their own and are being installed everywhere in commercial and residential buildings, so the market just continues to flourish.”

“As for what comes next, we imagine that one of the most considerable growth areas will be energy in its entirety, with particular focus on optimized consumption and an uptick in local sources of generating of energy in addition to the grid. That will likely define the next decade of smart buildings.”