SMART BUILDING SYSTEMS
OVERVIEW
Background: Smart building systems encompass many diverse
issues involving many building concepts—from sustainable building design
in exploring the regional characteristics associated with climate and
making a building more energy efficient, to looking at strategies for
the selection and use of alternative energy resources. These systems
offer many key advantages. Contained within this integrated building
approach is a method for analyzing the building’s cost over the life of
the building. Today’s smart building systems are competitively priced
when compared to more traditional building approaches and offer
substantial savings in terms of lower operating cost over the life cycle
of the building1. Since buildings account for about 36% of
the total energy used in the United States, many opportunities exist for
reducing energy consumption. One goal established by the Department of
Energy is to reduce total energy consumption 35% by 2010 if compared to
1985 standards2.
Emerging Technologies: Building Information Modeling (BIM)
systems are one technology designed to help achieve these standards.
This design tool aids in the optimization of key design parameters
during the planning and design stage. For example, with this tool the
architects and engineers can analyze and study the effects on a
building’s energy cost in viewing different scenarios associated with a
building’s site orientation on the planned construction site. In turn,
as a result of a building’s site orientation, the day-lighting
parameters can be analyzed to help reduce the amount of interior office
lighting needed during the day. BIM systems contain many of the analysis
tools needed to evaluate a building design in a more cost-effective way
over the life cycle of the building3. What in the past may
have taken engineering firms weeks to complete can now be completed in a
few days.
Automated building system technologies include those which automatically
control and monitor individual sub-systems such as lighting, building
temperature, security, and other key building systems. Many of these
sub-systems incorporate smart devices which permit each sub-system to
communicate with each of the various sub-systems using an open-ended
system architecture4. Other applications include automated
building systems for larger building structures such as auditoriums and
sports arenas. SSOE Inc., an architectural and engineering firm based in
Toledo, Ohio, has developed a unique approach to the design of
multi-purpose arenas. This approach, known as the Alpha system, utilizes
automated building systems to quickly transition the arena between both
sporting events and concert events5.
Green roof systems and other building materials are being used to extend
the life of a roofing system. This, combined with reducing the heating
and cooling demands of the building structure, makes these systems an
attractive alternative to conventional roofing systems6.
Other key mechanisms or systems used in the buildings envelop structure
(i.e., HVAC systems, lighting systems, and water heating systems) hold
the key to what can be achieved in terms of the energy and thermal
efficiency of a building.
Benefits: Smart building system technologies have provided
the tools for architects and engineers in improving the decision-making
process. They also provide faster throughput on design plans and
eliminate waste due to error. In turn, these systems provide the owners
and design firms the tools needed to build more energy efficient
buildings at substantially lower cost. Other benefits include improving
occupant’s health, comfort, and productivity while reducing air
pollution.
