IoT technology: tackling the energy and emissions crisis

With spiralling energy costs, ambitious carbon reduction targets, and frequently changing Building Regulations, there is a significant amount of pressure on businesses that run sites and properties.
 
Here, I look at how these three issues can be tackled and the role technology has in addressing these challenges and supporting companies to become more efficient, sustainable and compliant.  
 
The current landscape
 
The recent energy crisis has caused power prices to skyrocket, and inflated bills significantly impact the UK industry. April 2022 saw energy prices increase by as much as 54%. The additional 42% increase that is forecast to come into effect from October 2022 could make energy costs the highest overhead for businesses.
 
In addition to this financial shift, a series of Building Regulation changes will also come into play in England from June of this year and affect the way buildings are designed, built and managed. These include updates to Part L, which relates to energy conservation to improve efficiency. There will also be additions to Part F, which ensures that properties are appropriately ventilated. The changes to Part F will see new requirements around the recirculation of air and, for some commercial properties, updated guidance relating to CO2 monitoring to ensure healthy internal air quality (IAQ) levels. Finally, a newly instated Part O will come into effect to ensure properties are designed to prevent them from overheating.
 
Implementing these updates will bring challenges; however, striking a balance between adequate ventilation and improved energy efficiency could prove difficult for businesses. While the health benefits of enhanced ventilation are clear, an increased flow of air can negatively affect the energy efficiency of a space. So it is crucial that these two areas are closely monitored to ensure they are mutually effective.
 
Finally, COP26 and the increasing urgency of the climate crisis also has a significant impact on the way businesses are run. The climate summit brought a heightened understanding of the importance of developing more sustainable ways of working and living, which has led to growing pressure for businesses to have a robust ESG strategy. Customers, employees, and potential investors wish to ensure that the businesses they engage with positively contribute to the global sustainability commitments, meaning that companies need to develop data-led strategies that deliver tangible results. The IEA highlight that the buildings and buildings construction sector is responsible for around one-third of total global energy consumption and almost 15% of direct CO2 emissions, making this issue, particularly pressing from an operational perspective.
 
 
 
The solution
Rising energy prices, carbon reduction targets, and new legislation mean that businesses must monitor and reduce their operational costs and emissions. At first glance, this may seem like an insurmountable task, however, I believe that the answer to these challenges lies in technology.
 
IoT technology combines cutting-edge devices with in-depth data analysis that offers businesses unrivalled insights into their operational efficiency. IoT technology, such as remotely accessible building controls and smart sensors, can be easily retrofitted and provide businesses with the infrastructure to manage and maintain their properties efficiently and effectively. The platforms can also provide granular detail on almost every aspect of a building, from specific assets' energy usage to the IAQ and carbon output.
 
Guided by these insights, businesses can then make strategic changes to their operations to tackle any areas of inefficiency. These may include addressing issues such as devices being left on stand-by or poorly maintained assets draining power unnecessarily. The data provided by the technology also provides the evidence and reporting framework needed to comply with regulations and highlight the ESG strategy's successes.
 
How can we work together?
 
My interest in IoT technology is not only from a PR and communications perspective, as I have previously built, run and sold a successful IoT building controls business. This means that I have first-hand experience in almost every aspect of this sector, including in-depth knowledge of the built environment and technical expertise.

Over the past six years, energy efficiency and sustainability have become headline issues worldwide, which has increased the pressure on businesses to reduce their consumption and emissions. My previous experience of running an IoT business and current experience working with technology providers means that I believe I am ideally placed to support companies through these challenges while providing a deeper understanding of the value that IoT solutions can provide.
 
If you'd like to find out more about how commercial IoT solutions could help your business build a more sustainable future, please don't hesitate to get in touch, and I will be delighted to speak with you about your options.
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