Occupancy Monitoring Systems for Smarter Building Operations
Remote work was the norm during the COVID-19 pandemic, as businesses moved operations online and encouraged employees to work from home. Five years later, most companies have moved back to the office, but not completely — some take a hybrid approach.
This hybrid approach allows team members to work from home a day or more each week, and spend the other workdays in the office. But for businesses without an occupancy monitoring system, hybrid work can result in higher energy bills, fluctuating indoor air quality (IAQ), and pressure on HVAC systems. That's because facility teams don't have real-time insight into building utilization.
In this guide, we explore what occupancy monitoring systems are and how they help facilities manage HVAC, IAQ, and energy systems proactively.
What Is an Occupancy Monitoring System and Why Does It Matter Now?
Occupancy monitoring systems track how many people are in an office, hotel room, classroom, or any other enclosed space at a point in time. Data gathered from occupancy monitoring systems is used to automatically enable or disable lights, tweak HVAC system settings, and support building operations.
Older occupancy monitoring systems rely on basic motion sensors to take a specific action. For example, someone walking into a dark room may trigger a motion sensor that turns on the lights. Their movement is captured by a sensor that detects changes in the environment.
Newer systems deploy continuous monitoring in buildings with sensor technology that's connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) systems. Common building occupancy sensors include:
Passive infrared sensors (PIR): Evaluate infrared radiation levels in an area to determine occupancy.
Thermal sensors: Use thermal imaging to approximate the number of people in a room.
Infrared time of flight sensors: Create 3D images of a room and its occupants using infrared light pulses.
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth sensors: Tracks room occupancy through mobile signals.
Occupancy data for HVAC, IAQ, and energy use is transferred to a dedicated platform that interprets it and may take autonomous action. Facilities teams use the insights to calibrate HVAC system settings, lighting, and more.
Linking Real-Time Occupancy Data to Better Indoor Air Quality
If you've ever sat in a crowded room and thought, "Gee, this space is really hot and stuffy," the building likely used a traditional HVAC system for ventilation, cooling, and heating. Such systems blow the same amount of air regardless of how many people are in a space. This can result in overly cool or hot rooms, depending on the current occupancy level.
Data from occupancy monitoring systems support newer Demand Controlled Ventilation (DCV) strategies. Under this approach, HVAC airflows are modified to align with actual occupancy. This helps reduce the buildup of carbon dioxide (CO2) and enhances overall ventilation efficiency. As a result, rooms stay comfortable no matter how many people are in them. DCV also supports guidelines for indoor air quality suggested by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
Turning Space Utilization Data Into Operational Savings
Utility costs are a major expense for commercial real estate owners, schools, and businesses. Without proper controls, energy is wasted on underused space. And in overcrowded areas, visitors or occupants may notice poor air quality and ventilation. This can lead to greater utility expenses and complaints from tenants.
Space utilization technology alleviates the problem of inefficient HVAC usage and airflows. Using historical and real-time data, facilities teams can optimize building layouts and HVAC settings to enhance occupant comfort and realize savings on energy bills.
Smarter Energy Management Starts With Occupancy Awareness
Imagine you're in an office building with over 100 rooms. Certain spaces, such as large conference rooms and distant hallways, are infrequently used, but receive the same amount of lighting and cooling as highly-trafficked areas. As a result, utility usage doesn't match actual occupant needs.
Integrating occupancy data with automated HVAC and lighting systems allows building owners to right-size energy usage. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) estimates that organizations that save energy through environmental controls realize a 10-25% reduction in energy use. That reduction translates into cheaper utility costs.
Smart building energy savings are real, and any commercial real estate owner can benefit from it. The trick is to use environmental monitoring systems that incorporate reliable sensors and building intelligence platforms, so facility teams can act on data and curtail unnecessary utility use.
The Power of an Integrated Building Intelligence Platform
Occupancy sensors collect data, but they're a single component of a larger system. The tangible benefits of an IoT monitoring platform arise when you connect sensors and transform collected data into actionable insights.
Attune's building intelligence platform integrates with sensors to monitor IAQ, HVAC, and energy systems. Data is transferred from sensors directly to our dedicated platform, where facilities teams can view historical and real-time status for proactive decision-making. This enables teams to optimize HVAC and energy system performance to meet actual occupancy needs.
Choosing the Right Occupancy Monitoring System for Your Portfolio
Tracking occupancy in commercial buildings starts with finding a monitoring system that aligns with your requirements. Key factors to consider include:
Privacy requirements: Choosing non-identifying sensors protects occupant identities while still providing utilization data.
Integration capabilities: Make sure to select sensors that are compatible with your building intelligence platform.
Ease of deployment: Plug-and-play sensors are easy to implement with minimal setup time. Other sensor types may require professional installation.
Long-term operational visibility: Sensor systems should support continuous monitoring that adapts to changing occupancy levels for optimal cost efficiency.
Attune's intelligent building platform visualizes indoor air quality monitoring and supports smart energy management. Using our tools, you can reduce utility waste and improve operational efficiency. To learn more, schedule a demo with our team today.
FAQs
How Do Occupancy Monitoring Systems Improve Energy Efficiency?
Occupancy monitoring systems integrate with building management platforms to support HVAC and lighting requirements. They may adjust heating, cooling, and lighting to align with a space's actual occupancy levels.
Can Occupancy Sensors Improve Indoor Air Quality?
Data collected from occupancy sensors can help facility teams manage ventilation, particularly in crowded indoor spaces. Adequate ventilation prevents CO2 levels and other contaminants from building up.
How Is Occupancy Data Used in Commercial Real Estate?
Occupancy data helps commercial real estate owners optimize spaces for utility and energy usage. It enables them to plan spaces around historical occupancy levels and make strategic decisions that benefit their long-term building portfolio.
Are Occupancy Monitoring Systems Privacy Friendly?
Modern occupancy monitoring systems collect anonymized data through environmental sensors. Data is non-identifying, protecting an occupant's sensitive information while still providing relevant insights.
