When it comes to building automation, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are becoming more and more prevalent in new and old buildings alike. WSNs enable us to add “smarts” to existing building infrastructures without worrying about additional wiring or installations in hard-to-reach areas.

Looking more and more into wireless systems, I often ask myself, “What is the purpose or reasoning for adding more sensors in an HVAC, lighting or a building security system?”

There are four key trends that help answer this question:

• Energy efficiency.
• Safety and security.
• User comfort.
• Preventive maintenance.

The first part of this blog series will go over energy efficiency – an important trend for adding more sensors in building automation systems.

Whether you’re a building owner, homeowner or tenant, we all care about conserving energy and saving money. Today’s buildings use a large portion of the grid’s energy – and then waste 30% of that energy1. Creating a more intelligent building using sensor nodes geared toward reducing high-power-consuming equipment by operating it only when necessary could have a huge impact on conserving energy, reducing waste, and (arguably most important) saving some money on our bills.

Figure 1 is an infographic highlighting energy-consumption statistics for commercial buildings.