IoT for Sustainability

As we head into COP26 there’s never been a better time to discuss how businesses can run more sustainably. There has been a massive increase in the adoption of IoT (Internet of Things) technology in recent years, with growth trajectory being forecast to explode over the rest of the decade. And whilst it’s true that a more sustainable operating model isn’t always at the forefront of a company’s objective for onboarding an IoT solution, there’s no denying it’s often a happy by-product.

The aims of COP26

The COP26 summit will bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The UK is committed to working with all countries and joining forces with civil society, companies and people on the frontline of climate change to inspire climate action ahead of COP26.

The primary objective is to: “Secure global net zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach”

Countries are being asked to come forward with ambitious 2030 emissions reductions targets that align with reaching net zero by the middle of the century.

To deliver on these stretching targets, countries will need to:

• accelerate the phase-out of coal
• curtail deforestation
• speed up the switch to electric vehicles
• encourage investment in renewables.

The role of businesses in contributing to global net zero

You may well be asking what you can do as a business manager to play your part. Well firstly, understanding exactly how your site(s) and services are run from a practical perspective at the top level for utilities usage is a great place to start. Having the knowledge of where you are today and what your goal is to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, change processes to use less energy and make people more efficient gives you a good set of objectives to work towards.

IoT & Technology’s role in creating a more sustainable business model

In this article we’re outlining some top-level categories where IoT can proactively contribute to an environmentally friendly, sustainable future for business: the increase in adoption of IoT solutions to create smarter buildings and workspaces, and the direct links this has to a more sustainable future. Now more than ever, customers are holding businesses to a higher standard, with the health, economic and social crises of recent times raising people’s expectations of the role of business in solving global problems.

Proven Solutions

There are proven solutions available right now that are helping organisations like yours transform the way their spaces work, both from an operational perspective and to create healthier environments for occupants. IoT solutions allow you to optimise workspaces by getting visibility and control to better use what you have. This leads to reductions in costs across multiple areas, with a positive contribution to running a more sustainable business. Know how your buildings are being used in a live environment and over time, and fully understand the cost and impact of it.

Here are the key areas IoT can be used to create more efficient space management and contribute to a more sustainable future:

Occupancy Optimisation & People Tracking

• A typical desk in London costs £1,500 per month for just the space alone, with other cities range from £500 to £1,500. Benchmarks say spaces often don’t get beyond 50% utilisation, but are still heated, cooled, lit, cleaned = wasted energy.
• Monitor meeting room usage, communal spaces and washrooms
• Track in/out presence and dwell times within spaces & use alerts to control entry and adhere to safe space management as we continue to live with Covid-19

Building Utilities Consumption Reduction

• 28% global carbon comes from buildings
• Power can account for over 50% of typical buildings cost, energy consumption and greenhouse gases
• Using sensors and monitors to indicate when spaces are in use, doors are open or temperature is at the wrong level to name but a few examples, can help businesses save energy
• Moisture sensors can detect leaks early, avoiding costly equipment failure, prevent extensive damage to buildings and reduce water usage

Safety, Compliance & Wellbeing

• Need to know that all your fire doors and extinguishers are in place and operational? Say goodbye to costly and inefficient on-site checks by using a range of sensors and trackers to maintain real-time visibility
• Use wayfinding and mapping to create safer routes on site
• Air quality & CO2 levels can be monitored to maintain safe levels for health, comfort & optimum performance levels

The real power is in combining data, e.g. occupancy, power, temp and CO2 levels to create baseline understanding and lead to better decision making. This all adds up to making a difference to the very pressing global issues around our responsibility to work more sustainably.

An accessible route to explore IoT in your organisation

We appreciate that any new technology needs to be carefully considered, with the ROI clearly demonstrable to your key stakeholders. Therefore, we’ve developed a quick pathway to discovering what IoT can do for you. Our proven Accelerator programme allows us to work with you to identify the business problems and deploy a solution you can learn from to determine the next steps and the viability of a wider operational rollout.

To find out more about getting started on the discovery path, contact us to book your initial no-obligation consultation.