Digital FM: Accelerating Net Zero Facilities
The entire globe is racing towards achieving net zero facilities, thanks to the collective round-up for sustainability. Net zero building might look like a castle in the air but it’s now the global standard. But how are the companies pursuing this endeavour? Digital FM has emerged as a kingpin of net zero facilities. In this blog, we’ll explore how digital facilities management is accelerating the transition to net zero emissions. Let’s delve in!
What are Net Zero Facilities?
A zero net energy facility (ZNEF) uses renewable sources to generate energy in an amount equivalent to the total amount of onsite energy consumed. In other words, the net zero building results in a net zero carbon footprint. Did you know that the number of net zero facilities is increasing by 50% every two years? Companies are focusing on the construction and operational phases of their infrastructure to achieve this equilibrium of net zero.
What is Digital FM?
Digital Facilities Management (Digital FM) is the use of cutting-edge technologies like IoT, sensors, AI-ML, AR-VR etc. to streamline the construction and operation of facilities. Does it sound like exactly what we need for net zero facilities? Digital FM empowers building managers to monitor energy consumption in real-time and contribute to the creation of net zero buildings. Such a digital revolution has equipped us well with BIM (building information modelling) and smart building technology. This changes everything- the way we construct, manage and optimize facilities for a greener future.
Read more: Digital Facilities Management: Benefits and Challenges
Role of Digital FM in Transitioning to Net Zero Facilities
In this section, we have enumerated the different ways in which digital FM accelerates the transition to net zero buildings. Scroll down!
#1 Energy Consumption Analytics for Net Zero Facilities
Let’s begin with the very basic function of digital FM-energy management. Digital FM analyzes data on energy resources within the facility. IoT devices, smart meters and sensors are all instrumental in collecting this data on energy consumption by different facility assets. You can further unleash the hidden trends and patterns to discover the sloppiness in energy usage.
How exactly? Well, you can monitor the energy usage across different energy systems like HVAC and other assets. Digital FM also facilitates dashboard creation for easy reporting on sustainability. Such reports include your building’s current performance with the standard net zero facilities. You can gain real-time visibility in your green initiatives and optimize the operational phase for achieving net zero energy buildings.
#2 Predictive Maintenance for Net Zero Emissions
Next up is predictive maintenance for net zero facilities. As the age-old adage goes- Prevention is better than cure. Digital FM uses AI-ML algorithms to predict potential equipment breakdowns. Such a proactive approach helps cure the inefficiencies before they lead to major disruptions in facility operations. In essence, predictive maintenance is crucial to ensure that the facility operates at its peak energy efficiency. This again is a stepping stone to achieving net zero facilities.
Elaborating further, digital FM software analyzes the historical asset performance and energy use patterns to predict the maintenance schedules in future. Now imagine the possible consequences in case you don’t optimize the equipment on time. Yes, it would lead to energy wastage making net zero buildings a far cry.
#3 Smart Building Materials for Sustainable Buildings
Let’s first get a sneak peek into smart building materials. These materials have a hand in creating net zero buildings. From self-healing concrete to dynamic glass, sustainable building materials extend the life of your buildings and enhance energy efficiency. For instance, photovoltaic glasses convert sunlight into electricity (yes, that’s exactly what we mean by renewable energy generation). Another example is that of aerogels that optimize light and heat transmission.
In essence, smart building materials align with the overarching goal of net zero buildings. These materials are well imbibed during the planning and construction stage ensuring sustainability and zero net energy emissions of the buildings. Have you heard of smart windows? It’s remarkable how they can adjust their glass transparency based on natural light. We have already talked about sensors. Sensors aid in the real-time monitoring of occupancy rates, asset energy performance etc. This data gives insight into the present health of the facilities.
Therefore, a sustainable building ecosystem driven by digital FM leads to net zero energy buildings.
Read more: Best Smart Building Technology in 2023
#4 Building Information Modelling for Net Zero Facilities
Finally, let’s discuss the role of BIM for net zero facilities. Building information modelling is the process of digitally simulating the functional and physical building features. This digital representation is shared knowledge for climacteric facility decisions during its lifecycle. Now, how do you think BIM helps achieve net zero emissions?
Engineers use BIM to analyze the environmental impact of different facility designs during the planning stage. They analyze different metrics like energy efficiency, thermal performance etc. Such new-age visualization helps make informed decisions towards net zero energy facilities. Once planning is done, the construction phase begins. The BIM is the shared knowledge resource allowing hassle-free collaboration amongst teams and project managers. Integration of smart building materials and technology has never been this easy, thanks to BIM.
The Bottom Line
Wrapping it up, digital FM accelerates the transition to net zero facilities through predictive maintenance, energy analytics, BIM and smart building technology. However, such initiatives aren’t devoid of obstacles. Heavy upfront investments, resistance to change and non-compatible existing infrastructure can be barriers to the dream of net zero facilities. Take it easy, with effective leadership and strategic planning you can be free from the trammels of such challenges and reinvent to achieve zero net energy buildings.
Contact us for a free demo of how our expertise can help you achieve your business goals to the best.
