Data is everywhere and its unlimited potential is becoming a large focus for building management at an increasing rate. But what exactly is data? In short, data is factual information that, when in its digital form, can be extracted and analyzed from building systems to help provide guidance for improvements.

When it comes to data, one of most applicable quotes comes from Jim Bergeson, president and CEO of Bridgz Marketing Group, when he says, “Data will talk to you if you are willing to listen to it.” This is especially true as the era of connectivity proceeds, it’s important to remember the crucial role data plays in ensuring optimized operations. Read along to learn more about how data can help improve productivity, cost savings and building sustainability.

The dance of data & systems integration

Advanced solutions are prominent in smart buildings – that’s often why they are considered “smart.” These solutions, like intelligent lighting controls and video analytics, generate vast amounts of data which is helpful to elucidate building operations and environments. When these systems are integrated, they can communicate more seamlessly with one another, compiling even more data. For example, lighting controls can provide insight into how often they are used, but when they are integrated with occupancy sensors and building management systems (BMS) the systematized data can show not only how often they’re on or off, but also how frequently, during what times and which occupants are utilizing them.

However, when the variety, velocity and volume of data exceed the bandwidth of the analyzer, building managers are often left with disheveled data – otherwise known as a Big Data problem. This can happen when an overload of data is being analyzed through a manual process. With the implementation of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, data collection can be organized and automated for seamless analyzation, providing more frequent and accurate analytics.

Building managers can use data analytics for proactive reconditioning in the form of actionable insights. When AI is implemented, it can identify patterns within the data and recommend actions to building managers to increase efficiencies and solve problems, most importantly in predictive and pro-active ways. To revisit the integrated lighting controls example above, if the data is showing that a conference room’s lights are consistently in use even when the room is unoccupied, AI will offer a suggested approach to limit that energy consumption – such as reconfiguring the controls to ensure that lights are automatically switched off when the room is unoccupied; luminosity levels are adjusted based on occupancy and natural lighting; the HVAC is adjusted to optimize the temperature and air quality. Doing this helps to limit the building’s energy consumption and associated costs, while delivering a more efficient and comfortable environment. The same approach can be taken with HVAC controls across different spaces to ensure a more comfortable, productive workplace for occupants while they are onsite.

As more systems are connected – from security systems, fire alarms and AV assets to enterprise systems – it’s crucial to confirm that system data is being collected and analyzed thoroughly and consistently. Converting data from the building into an actionable resource opportunity offers building managers a more proactive approach to optimizing the building environment, including its sustainability.

Data’s role in sustainability

With the growing number of energy regulations and certifications, smart buildings are playing a large role in energy consumption reduction. There are even initiatives being deployed that allow building owners to donate their data to help further research on energy consumption. These programs are helping to revolutionize sustainability efforts. The collection of data from a building’s energy-based assets – like lighting, HVAC, elevators and more – can provide building management teams with insights into how and when systems are operating, including the amount of energy they’re consuming, which can be used to help improve energy efficiency.

Monitoring building usage, whether it be by equipment, time span, floor or employee, is more seamless and accurate with the use of AI and analytics. AI can sort through data to identify patterns and trends relating to building use and energy consumption, which can then be utilized to make predictions about future energy demand. From accounting for changes in weather, utilization of space or operating conditions of major equipment, AI can consider all factors when generating faults, areas of opportunity and recommended actions with managers. This information can help address current operations or ensure adaptation for predicted occurrences.

Countries, states and cities are implementing sustainability standards within the built environment. The Building and Construction Authority in Singapore is one such agency enforcing stands to help combat climate change and improve energy efficiency. With AI pulling a variety of internal and external factors to help enterprise management systems analyze, predict and optimize energy consumption, building owners and managers can utilize these smart technologies – including data analytics – to help ensure benchmarking standards for efficiencies are met.

As sustainability efforts continue to ramp up in the building industry, it’s important to remember that sustainability is more than just monitoring energy usage – it’s about caring for the environment and delivering a better occupant experience. Occupants are more concerned than ever before about the environment and are looking to work or rent from places that share the same values. Utilizing data to support sustainability efforts offers insights into energy usage, emissions, conservation resources and weather, which can lead to increased resiliency.

A smarter future for building management

Smart buildings are sustainable, mobile, actionable, resilient and transparent – and using data can help enhance these qualities and, in turn, help management improve productivity and efficiencies while reducing operational costs. Integrating systems for a more holistic approach contributes vast data insights as the systems can communicate for greater self-awareness and regulation. Enhancing decision making for building management and optimization with data is the first step in improving sustainability efforts and maximizing ROI. Introducing a more connected infrastructure not only helps improvements today but sets the stage for the future.