News
11 Sep 2024
The Internet of Things (IoT) is at the forefront of driving operational efficiency in organisations throughout the UK. Among its many applications is the optimisation of smart office lighting systems, with an increasing numbers of organisations adopting this tech and benefitting from reduced energy consumption, cost savings and enhanced workplace productivity too.
Since 2023, the manufacturing of fluorescent lamps has been banned as part of a phasing out of non-sustainable light sources, so now could be an opportune time for you to dig deeper into the key benefits this emerging, and highly-popular technology provides.
Smart lighting is a cutting edge IoT-driven solution, designed to elevate your workplace by connecting lights to a cloud-based network for dynamic, real-time control. Using battery-powered sensors, the system adjusts lighting based on occupancy, natural light, time of day and even personal or team preferences.
This forward-thinking approach offers numerous benefits; including increased energy efficiency, cost savings, enhanced employee comfort, and support for your sustainability goals.
Here’s how integrating IoT-enabled technology will play a pivotal role in your net zero strategy.
One of the main drawbacks of traditional lighting is the tendency to leave lights on unnecessarily, leading to energy wastage and reduced lamp life. By integrating smart occupancy sensors into lighting schemes, lights can be automatically programmed to turn off when rooms or areas are unoccupied. These systems can also be programmed to adjust lighting output based on the availability of natural light – a feature known as daylight dimming. Imagine being able to automatically lower the brightness of lights on sunny days? With IoT lighting you can, and you’ll quickly realise reduced energy consumption and lower bills.
The initial investment in IoT-enabled smart lighting systems offers a quick payback, with a typical return on investment (ROI) within approximately four years. Not only will you see immediate savings on your energy bills, but these solutions also extend the lifespan of your lighting systems. Upgrading to LED lighting alone can save up to 40% on energy costs, but with the addition of IoT controls, these savings can increase to as much as 60%.
Several studies have found that lighting in the workplace can impact our health, happiness and productivity. With IoT-enabled lighting, you can create spaces that adapt to your needs and the activity taking place, such as providing more light for detailed tasks, while dimming lights in areas of low traffic, such as corridors. Lighting can easily be programmed by user-friendly software to adjust throughout the day to match circadian rhythms, opting for brighter and cooler lighting to energise employees in the morning and a gradual shift to calmer, warmer tones in the afternoon. This kind of dynamic lighting can have a positive impact on employees, improving mood, reducing eye strain, increasing focus and contributing to improved employee satisfaction. And when we’re satisfied at work, we tend to be more productive too!
What if you could control lighting across multiple locations from a single platform? IoT lighting systems can be managed and operated centrally, allowing your facilities managers to simplify maintenance tasks, remotely monitor system performance and quickly identify and address issues. These systems can even predict when a light might fail based on usage data and error alarms. Additionally, introducing self-testing emergency lighting schemes improves audit trails and reduces emergency lighting maintenance costs.
Automated maintenance alerts can ensure that lights are always functioning optimally, reducing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency. This proactive approach to maintenance can prevent disruptions and streamline business operations.
The extended lifespan of LED lighting, combined with self-testing emergency systems frees up valuable time for maintenance staff to focus on other tasks.
IoT-enabled lighting is playing a key role in the net zero journey for many organisations, creating workplaces that are more efficient and productive while saving energy and money and protecting the planet.
The data collected by IoT devices can provide insights into energy consumption patterns, helping organisations set and achieve sustainability targets.
Smart lighting systems can also be integrated with other IoT-based building management systems to create a holistic approach to energy management. This integration can further enhance energy efficiency and support corporate sustainability goals.
Furthermore, immediate savings made from reduced energy consumption can be reinvested into other areas of the business, driving further energy efficiencies and a lower carbon footprint.
IoT-enabled lighting is leading a new era of efficiency and automation, driving the development of environmentally responsible buildings. Several early adopters are reaping the rewards of lower energy consumption, reduced costs and a more comfortable and productive work environment. However, many organisations remain unaware of the benefits and savings that IOT-enabled lighting can offer. By embracing IoT for lighting optimisation, organisations can improve their bottom-line performance, stay competitive and support net zero and sustainability targets.
To find out more about the operational benefits of adopting smart technology in the workplace get in touch.
Upgrading to LED lighting reduces energy consumption up to 40%, rising to 60% with the addition of IoT controls.
Lighting can be controlled remotely and dynamically based on various factors including occupancy, natural light availability and time of day.
