How to enable owners and facility managers to realize smart buildings

Building owners and facility managers are turning to technology to improve efficiency, sustainability, and occupant comfort while striving to reduce operating and maintenance costs. Using an array of wireless sensors, those responsible for building operations can automatically collect data to monitor energy usage, infrastructure issues, room occupancy, supply levels, and more, turning their building into a data-driven resource—a smart building with insights into everything going on inside.

Building owners and facility managers are turning to technology to improve efficiency, sustainability, and occupant comfort while striving to reduce operating and maintenance costs.

Equipping buildings with networked wireless sensors that collect and report data about the environment, such as water and gas leaks, lighting, HVAC operation and security, and share this information in real time, enables building managers to automate and optimize operations. But not all networks are equal. For companies looking to benefit from sensor-enabled building management, LoRa wide-area networks with flexible deployment options and powerful management capabilities provide an economical, efficient and secure solution for device connectivity.

Why LoRaWAN is beneficial to building owners and facility managers

LoRaWAN is a low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) communications protocol that is ideal for everything from office buildings, multi-dwelling units, hotels, and restaurants to large structures like airports, convention centers, and even universities and corporate campuses. It offers several advantages, including:

• Long range : LoRaWAN devices can communicate over long distances, making them ideal for use in large buildings or campuses.
• Low power consumption : LoRaWAN devices have very low power consumption, which means they can run for 10-15 years on a single battery.
• Security : The LoRaWAN protocol provides end-to-end 128-bit AES encryption, combined with multiple operating modes for integrity protection. Forward-thinking network operators also support additional security layers such as MTE (MicroToken Exchange) to support critical infrastructure and essential business applications.

LoRaWAN also has robust propagation properties that allow it to maintain connectivity across hard-to-reach localized areas while transmitting data through building materials and dense enclosures, such as steel walls or thick concrete.

LoRaWAN Use Cases in Buildings and Campuses <br>With a LoRaWAN network, building and facility managers can automate existing manual processes and improve infrastructure and system operations in key areas. Here are a few ways LoRaWAN is being used in buildings and campuses.

• Infrastructure Monitoring : IoT devices can be used to monitor equipment operation and usage to identify areas where energy is being wasted or to identify potential mechanical problems before they occur. For example, by deploying sensors on HVAC systems, water and gas pipes, or for steam trap and boiler monitoring, leaks, faults and failures can be detected sooner. Addressing emergencies or failures early can prevent significant and costly impacts to the physical building and its occupants, while saving energy and money over time through rapid response and predictive maintenance.

• Water Leak Detection : Water leak detection using LoRaWAN is ideal for providing 24×7 visibility and preventing unnoticed water damage. With real-time water leak notifications, construction engineering and maintenance resources can take preventative measures to avoid flooding, damage, and loss.

• Gas Leak Detection : Natural gas detectors using LoRaWAN can alert residents, workers, and crews of leaks to facilitate rapid evacuation, and notify maintenance and safety personnel of emergency service needs. Because gas leaks from residential and commercial equipment contribute significantly to global warming, proactively detecting and repairing leaks can also help reduce this negative impact on the environment.

• Environmental Monitoring : LoRaWAN sensors can be used to monitor environmental conditions within buildings and campuses, such as temperature, humidity, light, motion, and air quality. This information can then be used to adjust the building’s environmental systems to keep occupants safe and comfortable.

• Submetering (water, gas, electricity) : LoRaWAN is an excellent network choice for submetering in large commercial, mixed-use, or multi-family buildings with long distances between units or utility service locations. LoRaWAN’s long-range capabilities eliminate the need for network extenders or repeaters, helping to reduce infrastructure installation and maintenance costs. In addition to accurately measuring usage and simplifying billing, submetering systems can help property owners achieve maximum energy efficiency, reduce operating expenses, increase operating revenue, and improve property valuations.

• Asset and material tracking : Connected devices can be used in warehouses, convention centers, airports, and college and university campuses to track the location of equipment or inventory inside and outside buildings. Tracking deliveries, replenishing supplies on time, and improving asset availability and usage can have a significant impact on facility operations and associated costs.

• Occupant Experience : LoRaWAN devices can be used to provide residents with real-time information about the building, such as parking availability, workspaces, and equipment availability. With this information, residents can make better decisions about when and how to use the building. Improving the occupant experience can increase productivity and happiness.

• Security : Connected sensors can be used in residential, commercial, retail and educational facilities to monitor doors and windows to detect unauthorized access, open or unsecured states, or unexpected movement. This information can be used to alert security personnel to potential risks/hazards, prevent potential theft or vandalism, and create a safer environment.

These use cases are just one example of how LoRaWAN networks and devices can be used, and new devices and use cases are constantly expanding the possibilities.

Unleashing the potential of smart buildings

In an era of rapidly evolving technology and changing occupant expectations, building owners are challenged to meet high demands while making timely investments. Connectivity plays a critical role in the smart building puzzle, and while it has traditionally been a hurdle, exploring innovative solutions such as LoRaWAN can revolutionize the way building owners serve their occupants and stakeholders.

By integrating smart building systems with LoRaWAN networks, building owners and managers can unlock a wealth of actionable data, enhance operational visibility, gain valuable insights, and improve the occupant experience. In addition, cost-effective sensor networks provide property owners and insurance providers with a proven solution to proactively reduce risk and lower maintenance and repair costs, thereby increasing the market value of the property.

By embracing the power of LoRaWAN, building owners can open the door to smarter, more efficient and future-proofed building environments.