JUNE - 20238 PropTechOutlookOPINIONIN MYUNDERSTANDING THE RAPIDLY EVOLVING HORIZON OF INTELLIGENT BUILDINGSBy Mitchell Britto, Director, Smart Building Services, TDIndustries, Inc.While there are many ways to define a "smart" or "intelligent building," the most universal understanding is to think of these facilities as highly energy efficient, sustainable in their operations, and proactive in recognizing and reacting to occupants' needs in terms of comfort, health, indoor air quality, and safety.Over the last few decades, our use of technology has increased significantly along with the landscape of intelligent buildings. We welcome technological innovation because it improves performance, simplifies and increases efficiency, and provides easy convenience. Our cars can drive themselves, our refrigerators can create shopping lists, and our cell phones allow us access to an unimaginable amount of information and connectivity. These smart technology advantages continue to improve our lives at an ever-increasing rate. Intelligent buildings are following the same trajectory.Building systems technology improvements have begun an evolution toward increased integration, and an ability to access usable data to positively impact organizational performance. This method has prompted new ways of thinking and design, introducing the possibility of transformative change in the near future.Solving Data OverwhelmA prime example of this evolution is recognized in the transformation of the Building Automation System (BAS), an integral part of facility operations. In the late '90s, these systems began producing a tremendous and overwhelming amount of data, resulting in difficulties for building operators to leverage and manage that data to draft impactful prescriptions and policies. In 2008, implementing data analytics, the industry began optimizing large Central Plants by analyzing BAS data to produce effective energy conservation strategies, improve equipment life, and ensure no offsets to environmental comfort. As utility increased and the price point for these systems declined, it became obvious that analytics could also improve other facility systems and operations. In addition to generating data, these useful analytic strategies foster problem-solving and informed decision-making on how best to prioritize faults. The algorithms and models are mature enough today to be combined with Building IoT equipment and devices, to drive data-driven decisions. These abilities will be transformative to our industry over the next three to five years. The need for this data now takes waste out of an antiquated system to enhance productivity operationally.Mitchell Britto
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