Smart Building, DC

Here at NPI Connect, we are always happy to share information about how Washington DC, smart building systems have been installed in some of the most well known buildings, including the District Center. As more buildings install these efficient, smart systems, their costs are also reducing. A smart building is considered to be any structure that utilizes automated processes to control the operations in the interior of a property, as well as, certain exterior elements. Some of the automatic controls of a DC smart building system, include:

Air conditioning
Heating
Ventilation
Lighting
Security
Maintenance notifications
+ More

Smart building systems are complex, yet easy to operate. The work using special sensors, microchips, and actuators that collect data and manage it according to the services, abilities, functions, and needs of the building. When a smart building system is installed into a building or own, the owners or property managers can improve performance of the structure; thereby, reducing energy uses, optimizing the use of spaces, and reduce the overall environmental impact of the building.

New buildings are not the only structures limited to smart building systems. Rather, it is possible for older buildings, including those that are heritage buildings, to be converted into a smart building.

Smart Buildings in DC

At their core level, smart buildings in DC save operating costs, reduce resources, and encourage its occupants to be more productive. This is done through controlled lighting, thermal comfort, sanitation, physical security, and much more. This is all done in a way that is cost effective and much less harmful to the environment than buildings that are not connected to smart building systems.

According to Navigant Research, smart building technology will generate a revenue of $8.5 billion in 2020; this is double the revenue in 2016. Around the world, and in Washington, DC smart building systems are found. They include:

Office buildings
Government buildings
Hospitals
Health care facilities
Schools and colleges
Stadiums
+ More

Creating a Building “Smart”

The development, or creation, of a smart building system will start with linking together various systems like water meters, electricity meters, fire alarms, lighting, and so forth, with control systems and sensors. That is only the very basic aspect of a smart system. Some buildings have advanced systems that include elevators, security alarms, window tint, and more. There is no single set of rules or standards that comprise a smart building system. Rather, they vary according to each building’ needs. What smart building systems do have in common is integration. The technology used in these buildings are connected to one another and responsive to a customized grid.

The Benefits of a Smart Building System

There are many benefits to incorporating a smart building system into your building or home such as:

Energy costs can be reduced
The occupants may become more productive
Building operations can be improved
Environmental resources are reduced
Profits can be increased

An example of a way in which a smart building system can be beneficial is the automation system and it’s start/stop ability. This allows the building to start or stop the heating or air conditioning at a certain time, and in particular areas.

Today, contractors, developers, architechs, engineers, investors, and property owners are seeking to increase the capacity of smart buildings in DC with help from NPI Connect. This is not only through the construction of new buildings, but also retrofitting older buildings with control and automation technology.

Over the next 5 years, the market for smart building technologies is expected to grow 34% every year. This is an astounding indication as to how much interest there is in smart city development, as well as IoT, or the Internet of Things. In Washington DC, smart buildings are on nearly all corners of the city. From the Federal Building and District Center, all the way to The White House, DC is home to some of the smartest buildings in the country.

New Smart Building Technology

Smart building technology is always growing. Today it is available to make the operation of a building more efficient and less costly. The following are some of the latest innovations to look out for, especially in DC’s smart buildings:

Predictive Maintenance

From small chiller systems to lighting, plumbing, electricity, and elevators, smart buildings have the option to be equipped with devices that will monitor performance data of any connected equipment to similar equipment located in other smart buildings around the world. Based upon this real time data, as well as, historical data, this allows building operators to identify potential issues and fix them before they fail. Up to 15% of capital assets could be saved through optimizing current assets and prioritizing maintenance of a building.

Convergent Networks

Smart buildings in DC benefit from wireless technology; however, fiber optic cables remain king of technology as they are reliable and reduce the potential of interference. Smart buildings, particularly those in the hospitality industry, are making use of occupancy control, on demand video in 4K, and energy management.

Wi-Fi/Wireless Retrofitting

Smart building systems utilize an extensive range of wires, networking, control boards and HVAC systems. Due to the extensive assortment of these things, a smart building system is best installed during the construction of the building. That being said, there are 5.6 million existing buildings in the U.S.; many of which can benefit from these systems – this is where Wi-Fi comes in. Wireless technologies are key to turning a current building into a smart building. This is because when wireless technologies are used in pre-existing structures, the walls and floors don’t need to be broken up to update the infrastructure. In new buildings, wireless technology can reduce the use of copper wire installation. Not only does this reduce the cost of the development, but it protects the environment.

Are You Interested in Knowing More About Smart Building Installation?

We would be happy to discuss with you our services, extensive range of options, and pricing structure. So, if you would like to learn more about smart buildings in Washington, DC or whether or not your company, house, or building would benefit from a smart system, please call NPI Connect today.

If you would like to know more about smart buildings in Washington, DC please call NPI Connect today.

Smart Building, DC