Use Smart IoT Technology to Improve Your Business' Sustainability

The disastrous consequences of global warming have never been more evident than they are today. People are finally starting to recognise the importance of reducing their carbon footprint and living more sustainably. For businesses, it’s becoming a key priority moving forward.

To alleviate the damage already inflicted on our planet, the UK has set the ambitious target of reducing carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 (compared to 1990 levels).

If achieved, this will take us three-quarters of the way to reaching the goal of net zero by 2050.

Obviously, this will only be possible if companies pull together in a collective effort to reduce their carbon footprint. While a few small changes probably won’t do a lot in the grand scheme of things, these can make a massive difference as more and more companies get on board… especially if they choose to utilise IoT technology.

Smart IoT solutions are transforming the way that businesses approach sustainability. It’s hard to imagine the impact that these unassuming devices can have on the environment, but thousands of companies are already using them to achieve their net-zero goals. But what impact can IoT technology have in the long run?

• IoT technology is predicted to save more than eight times the energy it consumes by 2030.
• It's expected that IoT will help to reduce water usage by around 230 billion cubic metres.
• Experts also believe that its use will reduce carbon emissions by one gigatonne (one billion tonnes) within this time.
• It’s also expected to reduce electricity consumption by 1.6 petawatt-hours (PWh) - enough to support 136.5 million homes for one full year!
• In turn, the reduction in electricity consumption would deliver an annual reduction of 3.5PWh of fossil fuels.

This is all made possible through the power of data. Technology like Invisible Systems IoT sensors allows users to monitor parameters such as energy usage, temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, occupancy and more. Data is fed into Invisible Systems’ online dashboard, Real-Time Online, which provides companies with a clear insight into conditions across their assets. Having a comprehensive overview means that businesses can take proactive steps to really make a difference and minimise their impact on the environment.

As an example, Invisible Systems IoT sensors help to identify places where there is high energy usage, as well as problem areas that may lead to increased consumption. This could be something as simple as damp in properties, which may be leading residents to leave the heating on. Similarly, you can monitor the temperature and humidity within your buildings to not only improve the welfare of your employees, but also reduces the energy used to keep your facility cool or warm.

Although less obvious, predictive maintenance also cuts down on fuel consumption. Invisible Systems dashboard, Real-Time Online, offers the ability to set high and low thresholds for each sensor. When these limits are exceeded, it creates and logs alarms within the system and alerts specified users via email, text or call.

This empowers businesses to identify potential issues and fix them before they happen, thus avoiding unnecessary repairs, preventing the need for temporary equipment or generators to be brought in, and extending the lifetime of machinery by up to 20%.

Yet another benefit of IoT sensors is their ability to measure air quality, which can help to spot sites where pollution is high and the activities that may be contributing to this. Certain rules can then be enforced to cut down on carbon emissions, such as limiting the number of fires being burned in building sites, and improve environmental conditions for those working, living and visiting the area.

On the topic of construction sites, IoT management systems can automatically monitor the supply and demand of energy across sites, allowing building companies to reduce the size of the generator required or even remove the need for one completely. Invisible Systems’ own state-of-the-art energy management system, Eco Lync, is already being used on construction sites across the UK and is reducing CO2 by up to 83%!

To sum up, IoT devices bring a multitude of capabilities to companies who want to be more environmentally conscious. Invisible Systems IoT sensors present the opportunity for businesses to monitor data, control conditions and minimise harm to the environment - without compromising their operations. If we want to work towards a net-zero future, IoT is the way to go.

Are you ready to become a net-zero hero? Reach out to Invisible Systems and one of our experts will provide a bespoke consultation for your business.