Maximizing building efficiency with advanced wireless IoT sensors
- 19 Sep 2025
- 7 min read
Buildings play a significant role in the global energy landscape, contributing an impressive 37% of global carbon emissions. This statistic underscores the urgent need to revamp how we manage energy and operations in existing structures. Since 50% of today’s buildings are expected to remain functional by 2050, the challenge lies in implementing innovative solutions that improve efficiency and align with environmental objectives, all without the need for extensive structural changes.
Advanced wireless Internet of Things (IoT) sensors are particularly valuable in retrofit projects, providing a path forward for modernization – with a power to revolutionize how commercial buildings operate by offering actionable data and solutions that enhance energy performance, occupant well-being, and overall operational effectiveness.
The commercial real estate industry is facing increasing pressure to meet stringent energy standards while continuing to ensure tenant satisfaction and financial profitability. Wireless IoT sensors are a practical solution, providing smarter building systems that bypass the costs and logistical complexities of rewiring or causing prolonged operational interruptions. These devices form the backbone of modern buildings, helping address pressing concerns like energy consumption, regulatory compliance, and space optimization.
Technological advancements have significantly improved wireless IoT sensors in recent years, tackling earlier issues like limited functionality and short battery life. Today’s sensors feature faster processing speeds, better power efficiency, and simplified installation processes, making them more reliable. Additionally, they can integrate seamlessly with existing building management systems (BMS), unlocking major benefits like:
- Reduced operational disruptions during installation
- The ability to scale solutions across multiple locations
- Affordable upgrades of older systems instead of a complete replacement
This positions wireless IoT sensors as essential tools for improving building performance while adapting to modern requirements.
Wireless IoT sensors go beyond traditional building systems by offering versatility, intelligence, and practical applications. Their impact maximizes facility managers and occupants’ benefits across several key areas, helping redefine building management.
In a 2023 Global Corporate Survey, Verdantix was already showing building owners and managers growing appetite for adoption of these devices, to improve efficiency, safety and quality in commercial buildings.
Wireless IoT sensors enable real-time monitoring and automation of building systems to improve energy efficiency. Systems such as lighting, heating, cooling, and ventilation can be adjusted dynamically based on data about occupancy patterns, weather conditions, and other variables.
For instance, sensors that detect room usage can ensure lights and HVAC systems are only active when spaces are occupied, reducing unnecessary energy waste.
Research conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy highlights the potential of occupancy-based sensors to cut lighting energy use by up to 90%, depending on the type of room.
Wireless sensors also have the power to significantly improve the comfort of building occupants. These devices empower tenants to personalize their immediate environment by controlling variables like temperature and lighting.
Spaces designed with adaptability in mind are not only more enjoyable for current users, but also more appealing to prospective tenants, enhancing overall satisfaction and engagement.
Finally, by tracking how spaces are used, IoT sensors provide detailed insights that allow building managers to optimize layouts, increase leased space, and prepare for evolving needs. This capability is particularly relevant as hybrid working models continue to reshape commercial real estate requirements, highlighting the importance of flexibility and future planning.
As 44% of decision-makers plan to boost IoT platform investments, according to Verdantix, it is critical to ensure that these investments align with long-term objectives, avoid technological silos, and deliver measurable value. The journey to unlocking the full potential of wireless IoT solutions starts with a well-thought-out strategy.
Step 1
A successful deployment begins with aligning IoT initiatives with broader operational, IT, and organizational goals. Key considerations include:
Create a comprehensive IoT strategy- Building an infrastructure that can accommodate future sensor additions and upgrades.
- Ensuring compatibility with open platforms for greater flexibility and scalability.
- Partnering with vendors known for reliability and a strong commitment to innovation.
Step 2
Selecting the right technology involves careful analysis of hardware and software options.
Evaluate technology and integration needs- Wireless sensors are particularly effective for retrofit projects, and offer ease of installation and portability without the need for disruptive construction.
- Choosing multi-functional sensors, capable of monitoring several parameters such as air quality, humidity, and temperature, reduces hardware requirements while improving data quality.
- Interoperability is critical, as open-architecture systems that allow devices from various manufacturers to work together provide greater flexibility and simpler management.
- Cybersecurity and privacy must be prioritized to prevent exposure of personally identifiable information gathered by the systems.
Step 3
Expand value beyond traditional uses
By enabling seamless integration, driving operational improvements, and supporting efforts to lower emissions, wireless IoT sensors represent a crucial step forward. However, success depends on tailoring solutions to the unique challenges of each facility, whether it’s a commercial office, retail space, or mixed-use development.
Prioritizing features such as scalability, security, and compatibility with other systems ensures that IoT deployments remain relevant over time. And a forward-thinking approach aligning technology investments with overarching objectives like resilience and efficiency reinforces their long-term value.
Carefully planning building management critical steps today is key to prepare your buildings for the challenges of tomorrow. Because the future of buildings isn’t just about deploying new technology—it’s about using it strategically to create better, more efficient spaces.
Find out more about the role of wireless IoT- enabled building solutions to drive system intelligence and long-term business value, in the “Navigating the IoT Building Landscape: How to Choose Solutions that Optimize Performance” white paper by Schneider Electric.
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