Market Trends of North America Green Buildings Industry
Leveraging Smart Buildings and IoT Integration for Enhanced Efficiency and Performance
- Integrating smart buildings and IoT technologies is revolutionizing how buildings are designed, constructed, and operated. This trend is rapidly gaining momentum in the United States as building owners and operators seek to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance occupant comfort.
- According to industry experts, the United States consumed approximately 100.4 quadrillion British thermal units of primary energy in 2022, a 2.62% increase from 2021. However, industry experts also reported that climate-altering pollution from greenhouse gasses in the United States decreased by nearly 2% in 2023, a positive change.
- The U.S. Department of Energy also states that sensors, actuators, and controllers are the backbone of Smart building energy management systems. Smart systems are cyber-physical technologies that can be controlled from a centralized device, allowing for real-time monitoring and optimization of factors like indoor air quality and energy. Investing in these systems is critical to achieving energy affordability and meeting reduction goals.
Offices Are Increasingly Prioritizing Sustainable Building Designs
- Organizations are implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices to reduce energy consumption in-store operations. These include LED lighting retrofits, smart HVAC systems with occupancy sensors, and energy management systems to monitor and optimize energy usage. These initiatives lower operating costs and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.
- Many organizations are investing in renewable energy solutions to power their stores. Solar panels installed on store rooftops or parking lots generate clean, renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. Some retailers also participate in offsite renewable energy projects or purchase renewable energy credits to offset their carbon footprint.
- For instance, Amazon.com Inc.'s 237+ global fulfillment facilities have rooftop solar installations, which can power up to 80% of a facility's energy use. Its second headquarters is in Arlington, Virginia, and is powered by 100% renewable energy. In 2022, it constructed 16 data centers using lower-carbon concrete and 10 data centers using lower-carbon steel.