Smart Building Technology: Significant Energy Reductions in the Right Hands
With sustainability trends on the rise, smart building technology is one of the most prevalent ways in which residents look to reduce their carbon footprint.
The Link Between Sustainability & Smart Technology
With sustainability trends on the rise, smart building technology is one of the most prevalent ways in which residents look to reduce their carbon footprint. While this can be effective, it’s important to note that smart building technology and sustainable living are not actually synonymous. While the two often run parallel, inefficient or excessive use of these shiny new gadgets can result in negligible reduction in emissions–if any.
Innovative Solutions and Evolving Tech
In terms of HVAC systems, many devices can help achieve optimal temperatures at lower costs. While smart thermostats sometimes command high prices and installation fees, those who rely heavily on heating and air conditioning can use these devices to save well over 20 percent per month. The same is true for large families who tend to use more water; smart water assistants help reduce energy consumption and generally make life easier. Smart sprinklers, as an example, can consult weather forecasts and delay activation if rain is expected. Others can modulate water usage based on the types of plants being watered, soil quality, and even current sun exposure.
Sun exposure also plays a role in how lighting technology has progressed over the decades. Today, smart systems have made LED bulbs more efficient by brightening or dimming lights based on available sunlight. This technology can also place lights on a timer or use the internet to allow owners to turn lights off from anywhere in the world. Similarly, motion-sensing technology has made forgetting to shut off lights before leaving home a distant memory for many residents.
The Verdict
When considering whether smart building technology promotes sustainable living, the answer is “yes, if used correctly.” Hello Alfred — the one-stop app for resident needs and building operations — and its vast marketplace of local businesses and services, including weekly grocery shopping and delivery, home cleaning, clothing and pet care, and dozens more, provide unparalleled time savings for the resident and property manager.
Alfred partners with ButterflyMX to manage visitor entry and package delivery for multifamily properties. Many residents use the virtual key system to provide secure and immediate access to the building’s exterior doors with a single touch or call from your phone.
In addition to making our lives easier, smart home technologies are tools that hold great promise for the future and continue to evolve in new and exciting ways.
To learn more about Alfred, click here.
