In recent decades, there has been an increased emphasis on the importance of sustainability. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 12.6 million people globally die from environmental health risks annually with the pollution crisis reaching dangerous levels, further showcasing the importance of taking immediate action before reaching the point of no return.
With air and water quality at stake, consumers are taking action into their own hands and educating themselves on how small changes in their everyday lives can go a long way.
They’re having a greater understanding of the positive – or negative – impact their purchasing decisions can have on the world. Corporations and governments are following suit, making sustainable changes and undertaking initiatives focused on bettering the environment.
It’s critical for businesses to prioritize these initiatives as 81 percent of consumers globally feel that companies should take action to help improve the environment (Nielson).
As different industries shift business models to create change where they can, the real estate market in particular is going green. The commercial real estate (CRE) industry continues to invest time and resources into green practices that are not only helping the planet, but helping building owners and managers see a profit.
With continued development in solar and wind energy, and greener building designs, sustainability has the potential to make a significant difference for our earth and for the CRE industry.
While “going green” may seem like a simple solution, the proper technology must be in place to ensure sustainability is at the forefront of these initiatives. Talkpool, a provider of global IoT solutions and telecommunication network services recently incorporated Semtech’s LoRa® devices and the LoRaWAN® protocol into its line of sensor solutions for smart home and building applications.
Putting the tech into action
By implementing this technology and leveraging the gathered data, building managers can optimize energy use and lower associated costs, ensure compliance with green building initiatives, monitor and reduce waste in smart buildings, and track potentially damaging factors like water leaks.
In developing its new solution, Talkpool consulted with local insurance providers as it’s critically important for them to have actively tracked data. With IoT-based technology solutions implemented across smart homes and buildings, insurance companies can deliver improved pricing policies, accurate premiums and preventative property maintenance, something that’s incredibly valuable to property managers and home owners.
Related, Talkpool recently collaborated with Swedish real estate developer, Atrium Ljungberg, to leverage IoT-enabled sensors across more than 1.2 million square meters of real estate in 2020. As a result, IoT-based solutions were able to aid Atrium Ljungberg in meeting building compliance while incorporating leading sustainability initiatives, including the LEED and BREEAM certifications. In turn, Atrium Ljungberg has been able to maximize its return on investment across its real estate, while attracting new tenants and retaining current occupants.
As homebuyers and property managers continue to understand the long term value and benefits of sustainability, they’re becoming more willing to invest in technology that’s better for the environment, helping ensure a better quality of life for generations to come.
For property managers in particular, new tenants – especially millennials – are being mindful of the carbon footprint they’re leaving on the earth, and this is impacting their purchase decisions. By leveraging IoT technology like LoRa® devices and the LoRaWAN® protocol, the CRE market can be a significant aid in conserving energy and preventing short and long term damage to the planet.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Marc Pégulu has been vice president of IoT in the wireless and sensing products group at Semtech since June 2015. He held the position of vice president of wireless and sensing products from June 2014. Prior to this appointment, he held the position of director of marketing and applications. Pégulu joined the Company in March 2006 and was involved in several key technology initiatives, including LoRa wireless and software-defined modem technologies. Prior to joining Semtech, he held positions in chips and systems development at Thomson CSF, Thales, ATMEL and DibCom in France and China.
Pégulu holds a Master of Science degree in electronics and telecommunications from Institut National Polytechnique of Grenoble, France, and is a graduate of the Executive MBA program of ESCP Europe.
