Washington DC Smart Building

Smart Building Services in Washington DC

Here at NPI Connect, we are always happy to share information about how Washington, D.C., 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 any structure that uses automated processes to control operations inside 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 uses specialized sensors, microchips, and actuators that collect data and manage it in accordance with the building’s services, capabilities, functions, and needs. When a smart building system is installed, the owners or property managers can improve the building’s performance, thereby reducing energy use, optimizing space use, and lowering the building’s overall environmental impact. New buildings are not the only structures limited to smart building systems. Rather, it is possible to convert older buildings, including heritage buildings, into smart buildings.

Smart Buildings in DC

At their core, smart buildings in DC reduce operating costs, conserve resources, and encourage their 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 far less harmful to the environment than buildings not connected to smart building systems. According to Navigant Research, smart building technology will generate $8.5 billion in revenue in 2020, double the 2016 level. 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, including elevators, security alarms, window tint, and more. There is no single set of rules or standards that comprises a smart building system. Rather, they vary according to each building’s needs. What smart building systems have in common is integration. The technology used in these buildings is 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 how a smart building system can be beneficial is its automation and start/stop capabilities. This allows the building to start or stop heating or air conditioning at specific times and in particular areas. Today, contractors, developers, architects, 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 through retrofitting older buildings with control and automation technology. Over the next 5 years, the market for smart building technologies is expected to grow by 34% annually. This is an astounding indication of the level of interest in smart city development and IoT (the Internet of Things). In Washington, DC, smart buildings are on nearly every corner of the city. From the Federal Building and District Center 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 building operations 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, electrical systems, and elevators, smart buildings can be equipped with devices that monitor the performance data of connected equipment and compare it with that of similar equipment in other smart buildings worldwide. Using this real-time and historical data, building operators can identify potential issues and fix them before they fail. Up to 15% of capital assets could be saved by optimizing current assets and prioritizing building maintenance.
• 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 for interference. Smart buildings, particularly those in the hospitality industry, are using occupancy control, on-demand 4K video, 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 range of these items, a smart building system is best installed during construction. 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 need for copper wiring. Not only does this reduce development costs, but it also protects the environment.

What Are Smart Buildings?

A smart building can be new or old and uses building automation to control the structure’s operations, including heating, air conditioning, ventilation, lighting, security, elevators, and more. These systems use specialized microchips, sensors, and actuators to collect and manage data according to the functions they are connected to. This collection of data helps to improve the reliability, performance, and function of the building; thereby resulting in:

• A reduction of resources
• Better resource management
• Decreased operating costs
• Increased ROI
• Better usage of space
• Improved safety and security

At the most fundamental level, Washington, DC smart buildings can help occupants be more comfortable through cleaner air, controlled temperature, improved sanitation, and better security. A smart building system can offer this through lowered production costs; with an average of 30-60 percent savings on an annual basis.

The Benefits of Smart Buildings in Washington, DC

Transforming a building into a smart building benefits not only the environment but also the owner, the organizations working within it, and its occupants.

• Smart buildings can reduce energy costs
• Facility staff may find an increase in productivity
• Building operations can be managed better
• Sustainability efforts are supported

The Payoff of A Smart Building System

Well-known MGM Resorts International recently acquired numerous hotels, many of which were equipped with varying levels of smart automation. The company’s manager of energy and building automation explained, “When you pay in excess of $1 million monthly for energy, even 5%  savings is a huge amount of money.” The company uses various strategies, including load shedding, which helps to reduce energy use and save hundreds of thousands of dollars in a matter of days.

Now Is the Time to Install a Smart Building System in Washington, DC

DC smart building system technology is revolutionizing the way that buildings operate. Yet, this technology is not new. Only 10 years ago, smart building systems were focused on simpler building solutions and HVAC. Now, thanks to the immense amount of new technology, the Internet of Things, fiber optics, and wireless devices, the door to better opportunities has been opened.

Smart Building Legislation

If you are considering retro-commissioning a smart building in Washington DC, NPI Connect can help. Recent changes in Washington, DC legislation have meant that current building owners, managers, and operators will need to make new changes to existing buildings. Most of these changes are included in the Net Zero effort and the Omnibus Act, and they show that DC is taking a leadership position in reducing energy consumption, conserving resources, and regulating how companies can operate buildings.

• The Clean Energy Act of 2018 – This act strengthened energy efficiency standards for pre-existing structures.
• The Omnibus Act – An act that targets efficiency and improvement for energy consumption in existing buildings.
• Energy Star – Energy Star modified the baseline for performance and challenges building owners to improve their energy conservation efforts, thereby achieving higher scores.
• LEED Recertification – LEED has introduced recertification through the ARC platform, a 100% performance-based program.

These changes are good examples that clearly show existing buildings in Washington, DC need to start optimizing their resource and energy consumption. If you own or operate a building in the DC area, retro-commissioning it will be the first step towards meeting the new rules and legislation while saving you money. To learn more about our Washington, DC smart building systems for pre-existing buildings, call NPI Connect today.

Commissioned Building Vs. Retro-Commissioning a Building

A commissioned building is one that is ready for service. Prior to being commissioned, it will undergo an extensive process to ensure it operates as the owner intended, it is safe, meets building codes, and is prepared to maintain all systems and equipment.

Retro-commissioning a building is the process of re-commissioning it. This will involve an in-depth evaluation of opportunities to improve the buildings’ energy systems, waste management, equipment, and more. This process seeks to resolve any problems that may have arisen during construction or afterward and to reduce current operating costs.

By retro-commissioning a building, not only can you begin to turn it into a smart building in DC, but you can also fix common issues such as:

• Identify thermostats that are out of calibration
• Address equipment or lighting that stays on when it doesn’t have to
• Fix systems that simultaneously heat and cool
• Re-balance air systems
• Repair control sequences

These improvements don’t cost much to implement; however, when optimized, they can enhance current operations and improve the effectiveness of building monitoring. Regulatory pressure aside, retro-commissioning a building to become a DC smart building can save the company owner or management significant time and resources. A reduction in these costs may lead to an increase in net operating income and a happier work environment.

To find out if your current building is spending unnecessary money and energy, give us a call today. If you own, operate, or manage a building in Washington, DC, a smart building system may be right for you, with help from NPI Connect!

Important Tips to Take Away

• Smart buildings are a pillar of sustainability.
• These systems better opportunity to identify potential problems before they worsen.
• The technology utilizes autonomous systems to yield user-focused operations.
• Smart buildings emphasize convenience and control.
• Smart building systems reduce the use of petroleum and other natural resources.
• The community benefits greatly from smart buildings.

Are You Interested in Knowing More About Smart Building Installation?

We would be happy to discuss our services, extensive range of options, and pricing structure with you. So, if you would like to learn more about smart buildings in Washington, DC, or whether your company, home, 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.