IoT and Multi-Residential Buildings

The Internet of Things (IoT) allows transmission of information on all levels. It takes stagnant data and turns it into information sharing. Companies can often collect a lot of data and create statistics. How does one take action with the data and make projects more efficient using that information? IoT enables open lines of communication to be made and kept. This article will focus on buildings and energy usage specifically.

There is a program called Azure that was used in a Swedish multi-residential building that incorporates IoT into all aspects of living. Essentially, the program combines all the buildings smart meters for hot water with cloud-based software to get data on how long people use hot water for, and charge them on a pay-per-use program. This type of pay-per-use for water means that residents are aware of their usage; they are paying for every single drop per second. This could lead residents to take shorter showers, turn off the tap regularly, and become conscious of water savings.

The Azure program can work with meters and equipment that is already installed. That’s the beauty of IoT. It is based on internet communication and transmissions across devices; technically any device can be connected. This occurs by embedding wireless connectivity, sensors and electronics into traditionally non-smart items. Azure is a Microsoft program that is very popular for its promised security and reputation. Today, Azure is mainly used in manufacturing, transportation, and energy sectors.

As IoT software develops, you can count on it expanding into the multi-residential and condominium sector more prominently.
There is a secondary level of IoT within the energy sector. Individual suites and whole condominium buildings can benefit from being interconnected through IoT. For example, each resident could have an app where they can control their front door lock, lighting, heating, window shades, guest entry and more. Coupled with suite metering and utility billing services, the responsibility for energy consumption is now in the resident’s hands. Enabling residents to see how much electricity and water they use will encourage them to reduce usage.

With an IoT program in place in individual suites, the ability to control energy consumption is made easier. When residents can adjust their thermostat, window coverings, and lighting from an app or single device, you are accommodating to the residents needs for greater control of their energy usage; also making it more likely that they will reduce energy usage overall. People shy away from challenging or complicated energy conservation plans. Telling people how to conserve energy is one thing, but building energy conservation plans that fit into people’s busy lives is a home run.

In Toronto, Tridel built an IoT programmatic right into the building during construction. This is the most cost-effective and eco-friendly way to revolutionize the condominium market. In the very near future, residents and tenants will expect a certain standard of technology to be present in their new condominiums. Tridel’s experiment in their Reve building is home to an EcoSuite. This means the suite is outfitted with automated systems that provide the ability for touch commands to control lighting and blinds, and is equipped with various remote-control systems, IP cameras, an automated thermostat, an integrated home entertainment system, and a built-in iPod docking station. Although it is only the penthouse in this building that has all these features built in, it is a start.

Also present in the Reve building is a virtual concierge. This enables one concierge staff member to remotely monitor up to three separate buildings.

“In addition, off-site monitoring functions are tied into essential building systems, helping ensure that the concierge is aware of activities in the common areas of the building.”

Suite metering and utility billing services will take the pressure off of property management staff as well. At Priority Submetering Solutions you can rely on us to read the meters, calculate monthly utility bills for all your tenants or residents, and invoice them promptly. We then release the funds to the property manager, along with reconciliation reports and utility cost allocation summaries.

Enjoy financial and material cost reduction when suite metering is incorporated at the pre-development stage. Save yourself and your team the hassle of negotiating with expensive utility companies. Priority will provide the meters for water, gas, thermal, electricity and electric vehicle charging. The meters are often provided at no cost to the developer. With the expertise provided by our metering program, residents and property managers will have all the tools and resources in place to control utility usage, saving time and money for everyone. Our goal is to help you improve your building, save time, reduce costs, and go green with the greatest convenience and positive contribution to your bottom line.