Johnson Controls – 3rd anniversary of Building Safety Act passing into law and how AI can help
Mark Bouldin, Director for Consultants Outreach Programme at Johnson Controls:
Monday 28th April marks the third anniversary of the Building Safety Act 2022 passing into law, which aims to improve the design, construction, and management of UK buildings. Yet, outdated building systems and processes are still costing companies time and money – including 67 per cent less efficiency, 62 per cent less customer loyalty and 52% less revenue.
While this legislation has proved a step in the right direction, there is still work to be done to accelerate the UK’s transition to smarter, safer and more efficient buildings. Harnessing advanced technologies will enable significant strides forward in terms of energy efficiency and occupant safety, health, and comfort – all while helping to meet net zero targets. To accelerate the smart building transition, key technologies and capabilities for building consultants and their customers to prioritise include:
- Advanced HVAC systems for improved health and productivity: Occupant comfort is a growing priority in building design. Factors such as lighting, acoustics, air quality, and temperature are carefully monitored and adjusted to create a healthy and productive environment. To align with evolving building requirements, smart building technologies that utilise advanced HVAC systems will be important to maintain optimal quality for improved health and productivity. These systems can adjust temperature, humidity, and ventilation based on real-time data, ensuring a comfortable environment for all occupants. Furthermore, smart lighting systems can mimic natural light patterns, reducing eye strain and improving overall well-being.
- “Real-time safety capabilities: Smart building technologies will be vital in enhancing occupant safety by providing real-time monitoring and control of security systems. For example, look for a solution with biometric access controls and cloud-based surveillance systems. This will facilitate efficient evacuations in the event of an emergency, by monitoring the flow of occupants and ensuring clear escape routes. Your smart building solution should also include features like automated fire detection and suppression systems, ensuring a swift response in case of emergencies.
- “IoT and AI-enabled energy efficiency: A key consideration for the Building Safety Act is to optimise energy consumption. By integrating systems such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and security through a centralised control system, smart buildings can significantly reduce energy waste. These systems are often powered by the IoT and AI, which enable real-time monitoring and adjustments based on occupancy and usage patterns. This not only lowers energy costs but also reduces the building’s carbon footprint.
Your smart building solution should also utilise advanced sequences to actively reduce energy use and demand. For instance, automated building controls in the US have proven to save on average 30 per cent of HVAC energy in commercial buildings, by using more advanced functionalities like demand-controlled ventilation. By leveraging these technologies, the UK’s smart buildings will contribute significantly to targets and regulation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
