The role of acoustics in making smart buildings smarter (and healthier!)

SMART BUILDINGS

Connectivity is at the core of a smart building. Buildings are rendered ‘smart’ through the use of advanced technology to monitor and optimise performance and the comfort, safety, and productivity of its occupants. Smart buildings typically have a network of sensors and devices that collect data on various aspects of the building such as energy consumption and factors impacting on user comfort, including acoustics. 

WELL BUILDINGS

Well building certification is a standard created by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) that assesses buildings against a set of performance criteria in seven categories: air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind. Facilitated by the connectivity of smart buildings, a Well Building is designed and operated to support the health and wellbeing of its occupants. It goes beyond traditional building design and construction, addressing the physiological and psychological needs of the people who use the building, including air quality, access to natural light,  and optimal acoustics. 

WORKPLACE NOISE & EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY

Sonitus Systems smart buildings sensors are being used in offices globally to monitor noise levels and maintain productivity and safety. Noise can be detrimental to productivity and the welfare of individuals, and studies show that 20 percent of Europeans need to raise their voices at work and 7 percent suffer from workplace-related hearing problems. IoT devices such as Sonitus Systems’ acoustic monitoring solutions are being used to give workplace managers and building operators the information they need to make sure noise is no longer a threat to health and team productivity. These sensors collect data on noise levels and provide a full picture of an office’s acoustic profile. The data collected can be used for analytics, compliance checks, and reports to improve the soundscape of the space and optimise it for wellbeing and productivity.

Learn more about how the team at Sonitus Systems are helping smart buildings monitor and manage noise here:  https://www.sonitussystems.com/insights/how-sonitus-systems-is-helping-smart-buildings-monitor-and-manage-noise/ 
The World Economic Forum recently published an article titled ‘Smarter, healthier workplaces could lure us back to the office’. The article discusses the need to make offices healthier and safer for occupants, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Building operators are exploring a wide range of technologies and solutions to make buildings smarter, healthier and greener. One of the first steps is to be able to accurately assess and monitor the current health and performance of the building in real time. Examples of health-focused smart building tools include sensors to monitor occupancy and track the movement of people within a space, monitoring and improving air quality, and ensuring adequate ventilation. Indoor air quality has become a critical part of the COVID-19 safety conversation, and companies are providing real-time, actionable insights for building occupants. Additionally, given the relative quiet of people’s homes and home offices compared to most workplaces, monitoring and managing noise within the buildings is another priority when it comes to making the office more attractive for returning team members. Read more here: https://www.sonitussystems.com/insights/will-smarter-healthier-workplaces-lure-workers-back-to-the-office/

Sonitus Systems offers both the hardware and software for a range of environmental parameters on a continual basis, with real-time information available through our Sonitus Cloud dashboard. For more details on our indoor and outdoor noise and air quality monitoring products and services, please contact the team at https://www.sonitussystems.com/contact-us