Connected building: what are the expectations of cities and businesses?

With the deployment of thesmart city, a technological revolution is underway. The implementation of home automation systems offers undeniable advantages, such as improved security, more comfortable working conditions, and better interaction between infrastructures and the environment for integration into sustainable development.

Connected cities, more efficient cities

The deployment of new technologies offers opportunities for cities wishing to adopt a smart city model. The goal of these technologies is to develop better mobility and more efficient services in urban areas while reducing the impact of human activity on the environment.

The ambition is to develop the connectivity of urban infrastructures with various equipment: meters, sensors, terminals, etc. It becomes easier to carry out certain operations such as reducing losses on networks, controlling water quality, managing waste treatment, or optimizing energy performance.

The needs for home automation may vary depending on the sectors operating within the city. The public sector does not necessarily have the same expectations as businesses and the population. Developing asmart citymakes it possible to make all stakeholders in the urban area more responsible. The city thus develops in asustainable development perspectivethat combines moderation and rational use of resources.

The advantages of aSmart Buildingin aSmart City

Committing to sustainable development

Converting or constructing a building into aSmart Buildingoffers the prospect of a technological deployment that optimizes its operation as well as the comfort of its occupants. One of the most interesting aspects is probablyenergy management. It becomes easier to save energy and reduce the impact of the structure and its occupants on the environment.

The tools deployed within the framework of the city and connected buildings make it possible to address the concerns of the French regarding energy savings. According to a survey conducted by Opinionway for Les Echos (September 2022), the proportion of French people agreeing to limit heating to 19°C in winter would be:

• 82% in public buildings

• 81% in private companies

• 71% in their homes

Ensuring an optimal level of service and security

Another essential point is the improvement ofoccupant safetywith the optimization of systems preventing fires and organizing the evacuation of the building. In addition, smart devices make it possible to control access to premises, thus limiting risks related to malicious interactions.

The level of security is monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week thanks to various home automation means. Of course, these systems are highly valued in public infrastructures such as airports, hospitals, or offices. This need for security is also felt by residents of private homes.

Deploying smart systems within cities and buildings could meet the security needs of the French. According to an Ipsos survey conducted in February 2021 for France TV - Radio France:

• The security situation in France is considered bad by 60% of respondents.

• 93% of respondents feel unsafe in their daily lives.

Optimizing the security of a connected building

Certain tools make it possible to implement an ecosystem in a new or old building in order to transform it into asmart building. It improves the connectivity of the building in terms ofsecurity of property and people. The objectives of the system are notably to optimize planning procedures for building access and to simplify infrastructure installations while ensuring their security.

Deploying connected objects in daily life

To improve the connectivity of buildings, the deployment of theInternet of Things(IoT) is an essential step. The IoT consists ofconnecting everyday objects to the Internet: doors, windows, roller shutters, light bulbs, smoke detectors, household appliances, etc. We also speak of home automation. Concretely, the challenge is to connect the real world to the virtual world with the aim of optimizing building operations.

The need of the French forSmart Buildingis particularly felt in the daily interaction they have with technology in their homes. The Linky smart meter is an example of this building connectivity, allowing users to analyze and optimize their energy consumption through an app.

There are otherIoT solutionsthat have a greater impact on the daily lives of the French. Thanks to these connected objects and their applications, it is possible to create scenarios to improve comfort, security, and energy consumption in the home. Here are some striking examples:

• Automatic control of roller shutters according to sunrise and sunset

• Automatic control of home temperature

• Programming the washing machine, robot vacuum, etc. during off-peak hours

• Remote control of home security

BIM: an efficient solution for buildingsmart buildings

The construction of a new building involves the mobilization of many trades. For the infrastructure to be asmart buildingeven before the first stone is laid, BIM (Building Information Modelling) is a solution that offers valuable advantages:

• Better collaboration between the different teams involved in the construction of the building.

• Cost savings on construction and resource use.

• Optimized management of installations.

• Optimal safety on construction sites.

• Visualization of the project in different modes.

BIM is mainly based on the development of digital models of the building under construction. It offers very interesting projection capabilities for architects and the various trades that interact throughout the construction project.

Thanks to the deployment ofsmart buildings, cities, companies, and also residents are able to manage their energy consumption and optimize security. The prospects go beyond our daily lives within thesmart city.