How is IoT transforming the way universities consume energy?
It is estimated that universities across the UK could reduce energy bills by £146 million a year if they upgrade outdated systems and embrace smart energy tech. This reduction in costs and energy could help to fast track the country toward its 2050 net zero targets.
As the climate crisis continues to accelerate, there has been a growing focus put on renewable energy. While this is a crucial aspect, it is equally important that we manage our energy sustainably. Technology like IoT allows universities to get to grips with new ways of generating energy. And also reducing waste and unnecessary costs.
Here are just a few ways IoT is enabling green energy in universities.
Automation
Employing smart IoT solutions comes with several benefits. These range from improved efficiency to enhanced controls. Inefficient energy is one of the biggest problems facing universities. Lighting and HVAC left on after lectures and computers left running over night are just some of the issues that universities face. This has a significant impact both financially and environmentally.
Automated IoT controls allow for improved efficiency, as systems switch on and off at set times. IoT-enabled automation has also enabled optimisation in renewable energy installations. Such as solar panels where sensors can detect the direction of the sun and turn the panels to gain maximum utilisation.
Renewable energy sources have been enhanced drastically by IoT technology. Smart thermostats and lighting are just some of the ways IoT enabled automation can help universities save money.
Monitoring and metering
Sensors also enable universities to monitor and adjust their energy consumption. Utility suppliers now have an unprecedented amount of control over their resources. This digital technology allows virtual troubleshooting, which can mean a significant improvement in both security and waste energy reduction.
Installing IoT sensors helps universities to identify issues such as leaks. Usually, these leaks cost a lot to identify and fix, but also contribute to a larger carbon footprint. Dealing with these issues as soon as they are discovered is a huge benefit of IoT monitoring.
Monitoring has also made energy forecasting become much easier. By establishing usage trends within university sites and forecasting weather patterns, renewable energy trends are predictable and can be easily planned for.
Cost efficiency
Saving energy and money is essential for universities as we navigate a sustainable recovery. Money that is usually lost on wasted energy can be redistributed back into other areas of the universities. This means that anything from site maintenance to extra-curricular student activities could receive further funding.
By having a clear understanding of where their energy is most used and subsequentially wasted, universities can better budget for their required consumption. This allows them to create improved long-term strategies based on more reliable cost predictions.
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Finding new ways of becoming sustainable is vital for universities as we approach national net zero targets. Embracing clean energy and installing smart tech could be the combination the education sector needs to progress into a green future.
Our IoT-enabled energy management service allows us to understand your energy controls and what is best for them. It allows you to take control of your building’s critical energy systems including energy, water, security, heating, lighting, access control, and point of sale.
Get in touch today to hear more on how our IoT-enabled management can help you to become more sustainable.