The internet of things

Are we ready to make it work for landscape?

The internet of things is not only revolutionising the luxury goods business but could have a major impact on addressing climate emergency at a local level argues Amanda Merrell.

A few years ago, if you had asked people about “internet of things (IoT)” it would have not meant very much, maybe a vague reference to “fridges that reorder your milk”. It was seen as a solution for a problem that most people felt they did not have. Serious discussions on IoT were conducted behind the closed doors of the tech and telecoms companies. How times have changed.

The definition of IoT is: “A system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, objects, animals or people that are provided with unique identifiers (UIDs) and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring humanto-human or human-to-computer intervention”.

In construction and building maintenance there has been explosive growth in the development of innovative technologies based on IoT. Over the last 10 years, companies in the “smart systems market” have revolutionised the industry. New, innovative start-ups like Gooee have created a single pane view across multiple building systems. Their IoT platform, using sensor technology, unifies building control, communication, sensing and data analytics. This provides many benefits, including energy savings, space optimisation and occupant wellbeing and productivity. Return on investment (ROI) is proven and there are many case studies which serve as reference points. Part of the success of these solutions is down to the fact they are focused, well defined and offered by a single provider.

However, in the construction industry there is still much hype about “smart buildings’, but few examples of successful implementation. A smart building project is more complex, needs collaboration across a much larger number of suppliers and ideally needs to be managed by a ‘Division 25’ contractor. The 1-50 Divisions Master Format, defined by the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) is the most widely used protocol for communication in the building industry. Division 25 is ‘Integration automation’. It is where technology – hardware and software, roles and responsibilities of contractors, as well as standards – are specified to build an IoT integration platform. To date there are very few contractors with expertise in Division 25.

Furthermore, there are additional hurdles around regulation, governance and modernising antiquated processes in key areas like contracting, to speed up deployment. With a lack of proven ROI, it will be difficult to see wider adoption.

There have been few IoT innovations targeted specifically at landscape architecture, partly because to date there is no clearly defined business need and also because of a lack of completed “smart building” projects, where the exterior landscape might have been considered.

Sustainability continues to be a key consideration in building design and construction. Edwin Heathcote writing in the FT July 2018 on the RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist asked “what does the shortlist say about contemporary architecture? Certainly, something about sustainability is finally becoming absorbed into the mainstream but also an increasing appreciation of reuse, adaptations, more natural materials...” Is there a specific business case for landscape architects to improve their impact on the environment?

There are many examples of landscape architecture projects where the impact on the environment has been a key part of the design. In Landscape Issue 4- 2019 Climate and Diversity Issue there were many case studies of how the industry is starting to step up and contribute. From big design projects, such as the plan to turn Sheffield into a carbon neutral city by 2030, to small changes that can be easily included into existing projects, for example the routine use of climate messaging and labelling emissions on buildings or marks to indicate rising sea level.

There is “good business’ in the business of climate change. How can IoT technology drive new, innovative solutions which are better for business and better for the planet? Innovation supported by IoT technology in construction and building maintenance has been mainly focused on providing cost savings through improving efficiency and effectiveness. I am not aware of any of the current solutions which use the data to connect, engage and communicate directly with the user of the building. For example, an education program to directly engage with office staff on behaviour such as the impact of opening windows while the air conditioning is still on. In other industries, there is evidence of good ROI models when you use IoT platforms to engage directly with customers, to educate, inform and improve their experience.

Is there an opportunity for using IoT technology to initiate broader collective action on climate change, through connecting and engaging with the people as they make use of a public space? In Landscape for mobilising climate action – climate literacy (Landscape, Issue 4-2019), Hannah Garrow referenced Canadian academic Dr Stephen Sheppard, who suggested that there could be a critical role for landscape professionals in encouraging and raising levels of climate literacy. Dr Sheppard states that one possible solution is to develop specific tools to help the public “read the signs of climate all around them, engage in responding to climate change and force future consequences of their action and inaction”.

It is here, I believe, that the biggest opportunity to deliver innovative solutions using IoT Technology lies. For example, consumers using a park which has been designed using nature-based solutions (NBS) to offset the specific car emissions of cars in the town. By scanning the trees and plants, people will be able to see specifically how much CO 2 has been offset that day. The public may want to join a local movement to improve air quality and perhaps purchase the same tree for themselves. With one click they can order from the local nursery. By adding this tree to your garden, you will be recognised for “doing your bit”.

Is landscape architecture ready to step forward and use IoT technology as the enabler for new solutions which are better for business and better for the planet? I suggest the following as a way forward:

Step 1 – Encourage innovation through sponsoring cross discipline (technology and landscape professionals) projects at graduate, MSc or PhD level in universities.

Step 2 – Within existing businesses, set up an innovation project staffed by a cross discipline set of employees and give them the mandate to innovate through collaboration. Give them time off from their day job to accomplish this, with a firm date to deliver.

Step 3 – Set up and run many small proof of concept projects. Learn and share results. It is OK to fail as long as the learning is captured.

Amanda Merrell is a Marketing and Communications consultant specialising in the Internet of Things