What Is a Connected Building?
A connected building is a commercial or residential structure that uses internet-connected devices, sensors, and software to link, monitor, and manage its core operational systems. By leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) and a centralized network, a connected building establishes a digital infrastructure that allows previously siloed systems, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and security, to communicate with each other and be controlled centrally.
How Connected Buildings Work
Several key components work together within a connected building:
- A building automation system controls and monitors aspects of the facility, such as lighting, HVAC temperature, and security.
- IoT devices gather data from various systems within the building, such as occupancy sensors, smart lighting, door locks, carbon dioxide sensors, environmental sensors – which can sense temperature, humidity, and VOC, for example – and cameras. This data improves building operations and maintenance and provides tenants and building managers with real-time information.
- Wireless networks connect different systems and devices within the building and provide tenants with internet access, enabling seamless integration and communication.
The Difference Between Connected Buildings and Smart Buildings
Because these terms are often used interchangeably, it is important to understand that a connected building is the foundational step required to create a smart building.
- Connected buildings focus on interconnectivity and visibility. The primary goals are to get systems online, gather data, and allow facility managers to monitor and control the building from a central dashboard. It relies heavily on human operators or basic, pre-programmed rules.
- Smart buildings focus on autonomous optimization. A smart building takes the infrastructure of a connected building and adds advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). Instead of just providing data for a human to act on, a smart building acts on the data itself. For example, a smart building might analyze weather forecasts, historical occupancy patterns, and real-time energy grid prices to autonomously adjust the HVAC system hour-by-hour to maximize efficiency without any human intervention.
