Buildings with zero energy goals must use renewables in some form to make up the difference in the energy they use from the grid. Building Internet of Things technology is making it easier to incorporate energy generated from these renewable sources into the building’s overall energy picture at times when it makes most sense, both from a cost and efficiency standpoint, according to an article from Building Operating Management magazine on the FacilitiesNet website.

“Renewables and IoT are absolutely key for zero energy buildings,” Cathy Higgins, research director, New Buildings Institute, said in the article. 

“In order to run a zero energy building, the facility manager has to get real-time data. IoT provides that real-time data about production, which is essential, not just for operational aspects, but also for trending and potential demand-response.”

When solar panels, for instance, are producing the most energy, the building systems should be optimized to dial back grid electricity. When they’re not producing as much energy, facility managers can either simply use more grid energy or create a sort of building-level automated demand-response script, said Robert Knight, senior associate, intelligent building practice, Environmental Systems Design. 

Read the article.