The progress being made towards sustainable buildings is incredible. Today you will find all kinds of tools being utilized by building operators in order to become more energy efficient, including wind turbines, solar panels, and catch and reuse rainwater systems. However, as we move into the next decade, the Internet of Things (IoT) will make it easier for building managers to save energy and money.

Here’s the reality – the Smart factory is coming to a neighborhood near you soon. A Smart factory is one that uses IoT to address several different energy sources and resources, including some of the following:

• Boilers that serve as a source of steam used in the plant

• Air compressors that are a source of air in a facility

• Fuel, such as diesel, solar and batteries to run above systems

• Backup generators that are an alternative electrical source in the event the primary source fails.

A properly designed IoT system doesn’t just have the ability to track energy consumption at distribution points, but with the help of smart meters can track energy consumption right from the source to the consumption point. It can also predict voltage drops at nodes, as well as detecting leakages.

An IoT energy monitoring system can address many different issues that are stopping your facility from gaining significant energy savings. If you own or manage a factory, at the very least, give IoT a close look.

The great part about IoT and energy monitoring is that over time, you will be able to see the real impacts of the steps you are taking. You will see what is working well and what needs to be adjusted in order for you to meet your goals.

To get started reach out to a trusted energy auditor.