With smart TVs, cars and appliances becoming more common, it is
no surprise that smart buildings are also starting to take a
foothold across the country. Some owners and investors continue to
resist the trend; however, their resistance is often based on
mistaken notions about the costs and complexities of smart building
systems. The reality is that advances in technology mean the
benefits often far outweigh the impediments.
What is a Smart Building?
Smart buildings feature systems that deliver critical building
services — such as HVAC, lighting, sanitation and security
— at a lower cost both financially and environmentally. The
systems leverage information technology to connect various
subsystems that traditionally have operated independently, enabling
the subsystems to share data and maximize total building
performance.