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We’ve written on several occasions about the significance that environmental factors—such as temperature, lighting, noise level, etc.—have on the workplace and employee productivity. With the help of companies like Control Solutions, Inc. who can install or retrofit building automation systems, HVAC systems, temperature controls, and so forth, facilities managers are able to run their buildings in the most energy-efficient way as possible, as well as keep employees productive and happy.

In addition to these factors that play a major role in workplace comfort and energy efficiency, indoor air-quality monitoring (IAQ) is also high on the list of factors that influence both short-term and long-term health, productivity, and energy efficiency in the workplace. And with the convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology, IAQ is easier and more accurate to monitor than ever before.

According to Senseware, a commercial building consumes 90% of the 75% of the electric form of energy in lighting, office equipment and HVAC systems. Today, engineers have worked to converge IoT technology that has helped make facilities management much more, well, manageable.

There are several areas of a building’s daily operations that contribute to energy efficiency, and IAQ plays a part in all of these factors, as well. When a building implements IAQ practices, this increases energy usage, in turn decreasing energy efficiency. That’s where IoT comes into play. By marrying the two, facilities managers can monitor IAQ while still working towards the company’s energy-efficiency goals.

Here’s how the two work together in different areas of a building management system…

Lighting: IoT can control IAQ protocols like UV lights to sanitize air and heat-efficient lightbulbs to promote the quality of indoor air while still being highly energy-efficient.

HVAC: Insulating un-insulated pipes, regular vent-cleaning, and air-duct cleaning are activities that promote higher IAQ, which also improves the efficiency of an HVAC system. IoT sensors can help control when the unit runs heat or air conditioning, and which areas of the building are ventilated.

Additionally, fitting electric immersion water heaters and hot water circulating pumps with time switches that can be controlled over a network, insulating hot water tanks and piping are energy saving practices that also contribute to high IAQ.

Building Monitoring: Upkeep on monitoring your building’s functions will ensure your facility is maintaining (or improving) its energy-efficiency standards and air quality. Frequently scheduled energy audits of your building will allow your facility management team to identify inconsistencies and make adjustments as needed from an energy-efficiency and IAQ perspective.

Maintenance & Repair: IoT based sensors can obtain data that can be used to accurately predict, schedule and automate servicing over a complex arrangement like in a commercial building. This will improve the IAQ, lifespan of the equipment as well as improving energy efficiency.

As reported by Senseware in a separate article, and discussed above, IoT and smart technology can effectively collect, communicate and act on information regarding IAQ in commercial buildings. But is your facility set up to do this? Control Solutions, Inc. is your trusted partner to fit your facility with the technology needed to not only monitor IAQ levels, but to make it easily manageable and adjustable for your facilities managers. Contact us today to begin a discussion of how we can help get your facility more comfortable, energy efficient, and productive for your employees.