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The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionising building management by making them smarter, more efficient and more comfortable for their occupants. Thanks to interconnected sensors, it is now possible to optimise energy consumption, improve equipment maintenance and guarantee a healthy and pleasant indoor environment. In this article, we explore the main types of IoT sensors used in smart buildings and their concrete applications.
Better control of your building’s resources. Analyse its consumption and regulate the use of HVAC equipment according to actual needs to reduce energy consumption.
Optimise maintenance operations, monitor the proper functioning of equipment, be alerted quickly in the event of a malfunction and act as quickly as possible to regulate it.
Comfort and well-being of occupants
Analyse the various environmental factors in a room: temperature, CO2, humidity, etc., to guarantee the comfort, well-being, satisfaction and productivity of the building’s users.
1. Energy performance: better management of building resources
Buildings are responsible for almost 40% of global energy consumption. Optimising their energy efficiency reduces operating costs and limits their carbon footprint. The IoT plays a key role in this energy transition, thanks to better resource consumption control.
The use of IoT solutions makes it easier to monitor energy consumption, detect leaks quickly and adapt the operation of technical equipment (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) to the real needs of the building, by reading data such as temperature and ambient humidity.
Electricity: optimising consumption according to usage
Electricity is one of the main items consumed in buildings, whether in offices, collective housing, or industrial infrastructures. Inefficient lighting, energy-consuming equipment on standby or poorly regulated air conditioning can lead to unnecessary expenses and increase the energy bill.
Thanks to IoT sensors, it is possible to monitor electricity consumption in real-time, identify sources of waste and automate specific processes to optimise energy efficiency.
IoT sensors used
- Consumption measurement sensors
- Presence detectors
- Brightness sensors
- Temperature sensors
- Energy meter or PLC reading sensor giving access to consumption registers
Use case
- Real-time analysis of electricity consumption to identify consumption peaks and anomalies (overall consumption of the building, by room, or by piece of equipment).
- Automatic switching off of lights and electrical appliances when no one is present.
- Dynamic regulation of light intensity according to the available natural light.
- Analysis of the indoor temperature and adjustment according to the heating and air conditioning equipment.
Impact: Electricity savings
- Reduction in consumption.
- Lowered electricity bills.
- Improved energy efficiency.
10 to 20 %
overall reduction in energy consumption.
30 to 50 %
reduction in lighting consumption
Water: avoid leaks and monitor consumption
Water is a precious resource, and efficient management of its consumption is essential for smart buildings. An undetected leak can result in high costs, not only due to the waste of water but also due to the material damage it can cause: infiltration, mould, deterioration of structures or even interruptions of activity.
In an environment where cost control and sustainability are priorities, it is crucial to implement systems that enable rapid detection and immediate reaction to anomalies.
IoT sensors used
- Consumption measurement sensors
- Flow sensors
- Pressure sensors
- Leak detectors
Use case
- Early detection of leaks and real-time alerts sent to building managers.
- Monitoring of water consumption to optimise usage and detect any abnormal excesses.
- Optimisation of watering or cooling systems according to actual needs.
Impact: Energy savings in water
- Reduction in consumption.
- Lowered water bill.
- Preservation of water resources.
Gas and heating: adjust the temperature
Heating and air conditioning are major areas of consumption in a building.
Intelligent regulation ensures optimal comfort while reducing energy costs.
IoT sensors used
- Gas consumption sensors
- Temperature sensors
- CO2 sensors
- Occupancy sensors
Use case
- Analysis of gas consumption, with an ATEX-certified sensor.
- Adjustment of heating according to the presence of occupants and external conditions.
- Regulation of air renewal to avoid heat waste while maintaining good indoor air quality.
- Detection of anomalies in installations to prevent energy losses.
- Analysis of indoor temperature and adjustment according to heating and air conditioning equipment.
Impact: Gas energy savings
- Reduction in consumption.
- Lower gas bill.
- Optimisation of HVAC equipment use.
- Maintenance of indoor comfort.
30 %
Up to 30% savings on the heating bill thanks to optimised regulation.
2. Maintenance and optimisation of equipment
The IoT enables a proactive approach to maintenance, thus avoiding unexpected breakdowns and extending the life of the equipment.
Ventilation and air conditioning: anticipating failures
The proper functioning of the ventilation system is crucial to guaranteeing healthy indoor air and preserving the integrity of the building. Poor ventilation can lead to moisture build-up, promoting the development of mould and the deterioration of materials.
With IoT, it becomes possible to continuously monitor the installations and detect any anomaly before it impacts the comfort of the occupants or the energy performance of the building.
IoT sensors used
- Pressure sensors
- Vibration sensors
- Temperature sensors
- Stop detection sensors (dry contact)
- Sensors for analysing electricity consumption.
Use case
- Continuous monitoring of installations to detect repetitive malfunctions.
- Detection of a drop in the pressure delta between the inside of the box and atmospheric pressure.
- Automation of preventive maintenance cycles.
- Alert in the event of engine failure, dirty filter, belt malfunction, or pressure switch fault.
Impact: optimisation of maintenance
- Reduction in breakdowns.
- Reduction in maintenance costs.
- Reduction in equipment consumption.
- Preservation of the building, avoiding excessive damage due to breakdown or malfunction detected too late.
25 % to 30 %
reduction in breakdowns on average
Temperature monitoring on domestic hot water (DHW) networks
The temperature sensors of IoT sensors can measure the temperature at two points on DHW networks. The data collected can be used to perform hydraulic balancing of the network.
Maintaining an adequate temperature in domestic hot water systems is also essential to prevent the growth of bacteria such as legionella.
Thanks to IoT solutions, it is possible to check, without having to go anywhere, that the water temperature in the DHW networks is maintained at a temperature of at least 55°C between the distribution point and the tapping point. An alert is issued whenever the threshold is exceeded so that action can be taken as quickly as possible to prevent the spread of bacteria.
IoT sensors used
- Temperature sensor
Use case
- Continuous monitoring of water temperature to ensure compliance with regulatory thresholds.
- Detection of abnormal drops in temperature that may indicate a malfunction.
Impact: optimisation of maintenance
- Reduction of health risks.
- Response to legal obligations.
- Optimisation of the organisation of maintenance operations.
- Reduction of maintenance costs.
- Energy and water savings.
Plumbing: avoiding water damage
Water damage and damp problems can cause significant damage to buildings, ranging from deterioration of materials to the appearance of mould that is harmful to health. An undetected leak can cause water to infiltrate the walls and floors, weakening the structure and increasing repair costs.
Excessive humidity also promotes the proliferation of fungi and bacteria, degrading indoor air quality and potentially affecting the comfort of the occupants. Without proper monitoring, these problems can worsen and require major and costly interventions.
IoT sensors used
- Leak detectors
- Humidity sensors
Use case
- Immediate detection of a water leak and sending of an alert to managers.
- Automatic shut-off of the water supply in the event of a major leak.
- Analysis of humidity levels to prevent the appearance of mould.
Impact: optimisation of maintenance
- Preservation of the building and its equipment.
- Savings on any repair work.
3 000 to 10 000€
Average water damage costs between €3,000 and €10,000.
Equipment: monitoring its condition
Real-time monitoring of equipment is essential to ensure continuity of operations and prevent costly breakdowns.
Thanks to IoT sensors, it is possible to detect the first signs of malfunction (abnormal variations in vibration, excessive electricity consumption or temperature deviations) and/or be alerted as soon as a change in status appears or find out if a piece of equipment needs servicing.
IoT sensors used
- Standstill detection sensors (dry contact)
- Vibration sensors
- Electric current sensors
- Sensors for reading maintenance data (connects to PLCs to access data such as operating hours, speed, etc.)
Use case
- Detection of early warning signs of failure (abnormal vibrations, overconsumption of energy).
- Repair a fault,
- be alerted of a change (change of status, triggering of an action, etc.),
- monitor status and its duration,
- monitor changes in status over time,
- measure the usage time of a piece of equipment,
Impact: optimisation of maintenance
- Increased lifespan of equipment.
- Reduction in production stoppages.
- Dematerialisation of maintenance monitoring operations.
- Guarantee of proper functioning of equipment.
3. Comfort and well-being of occupants
An intelligent building is not just about energy savings and maintenance. It also improves the comfort and health of occupants. To guarantee the comfort, satisfaction and productivity of building users, it is important to analyse the various environmental factors in a room. Regular monitoring of these environmental factors not only helps to avoid thermal discomfort but also to limit health risks and damage to the building.
By recording comfort data such as temperature and ambient humidity, it is also possible to adjust the use of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) equipment to the actual needs of the building. The aim is to maintain an optimum level of comfort while saving energy.
Air quality: guaranteeing a healthy environment
Poor indoor air quality can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of a building’s occupants. High concentrations of pollutants such as CO₂, fine particles or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can cause headaches, increased fatigue, respiratory irritation and, in the long term, more serious health problems. In the workplace, poor air quality also leads to a drop in productivity, reducing concentration and increasing absenteeism.
Thanks to IoT sensors, it is possible to monitor these parameters in real-time and automatically adjust the ventilation to guarantee a healthy and comfortable indoor environment.
IoT sensors used
- CO2 sensors
- Fine particle sensors
- Humidity sensors
Use case
- Real-time monitoring of CO2 levels and automatic triggering of ventilation.
- Detection of fine particles to improve air treatment.
- Humidity regulation to prevent health risks.
Impact: improved comfort in buildings
- Response to legal obligations.
- Guaranteed comfort and well-being for users.
15 %
reduction in absences from work thanks to better air quality.
Temperature and thermal comfort: adjust according to needs
An appropriate thermal environment is essential for the well-being and productivity of a building’s occupants. Too low a temperature can lead to discomfort, reduced concentration and an increased risk of illness, while excessive heat can cause increased fatigue and decreased cognitive performance.
Thanks to IoT sensors, it is possible to intelligently adjust heating and air conditioning according to external conditions, occupancy levels and user preferences.
This optimised regulation guarantees constant thermal comfort while reducing energy consumption, thus creating a healthier and more pleasant working or living environment.
IoT sensors used
- Temperature sensors
- Sunshine sensors
- Presence detectors
Use case
- Intelligent adjustment of temperature according to the presence of occupants and solar gain.
- Dynamic regulation of blinds and roller shutters.
- Automated management of heating and air conditioning according to weather forecasts.
Impact: improved comfort in buildings
- Guaranteed user comfort.
- Prevention of potential damage to the building.
- Reduction in energy consumption.
20 %
up to 20% energy savings and a perceived improvement in comfort.
The IoT transforms buildings into connected and resilient infrastructures, improving their efficiency, sustainability and the well-being of their occupants. Adeunis offers solutions tailored to these challenges, facilitating the deployment and management of IoT sensors for optimal performance.
18/03/2025
20 years
expertise to support you, from the diagnosis to the implementation of your solution
