Page 63 - Green Builder Sept-Oct 2019 Issue

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SMART CITIES

Evolving Technology and
the IoT of Green Buildings
This category pertains to the Internet of Things
(IoT), including connected appliances, smart
thermostats, smart phones, voice control, video
cameras, entertainment centers, various sensors and
other security devices such as smart locks, that are
increasing in popularity. It is expanding to include
smart appliances, HVAC equipment, and other
devices such as solar and geothermal equipment.
How to select and integrate these devices is no
simple task. In many cases, the responsibility will
fall to contractors. Specialty consulting businesses
are already developing in this area. These specialists
can be a good addition to your subcontractor team,
when you have a client with high IoT interests.

Products and Materials
Matching homeowner desires with product
manufacturers’ information can be challenging.
Your clients’ need for assistance in selecting products
and materials with the availability of appropriate
current products can vary from project to project.
Just as builders are updating their practices, product
manufacturers are updating how they keep the outlets
for their products—direct sales, showroom sales, and
increasing online sales—supplied with current trends,
innovations and brand sentiment, from sources such
as Green Builder’s COGNITION Smart Data.
They are also trying to market and sell their
newer products, and transition from more-familiar
products that they plan to retire and will be no
longer be available. Coordinating products’ features,
available finishes and styles of products can be a
complex and somewhat confusing world for new
clients. Much of this information is available
digitally and your own ability to manage this data
efficiently will increasingly become part of your
competitive advantage.
The old days of the “installation instructions
with critical clearance dimensions being in the box CREDIT: NAVFAC/FLICKR
when the product is delivered” are hopefully over.
But the responsibilities of the general contractor
to coordinate this information with subcontractors Field marshall. To remain competitive, general contractors will have increased responsibility
remain. In cases where products are “owner selected/ to coordinate communication with their subcontractors and with the homeowner.
purchased and contractor installed,” the need and ability to effectively in the business of green buildings. Builders who master project
include the homeowner in this process is important. management software successfully, and who become more efficient
and effective in their projects will be more successful in the financial
Project Management: From Bids to Job Site and economic aspects of green building as well. GB
The amount of data to be managed in a green building project
is complex and extensive. Connecting to and easily exchanging Terry Beaubois is CEO of Building Knowledge Systems (BKS) LLC in
data with your clients, consultants, subcontractors, product Palo Alto, Calif. For 40 years, he has been involved in research projects,
manufacturers, review agencies and building inspectors is critical. articles, speaking engagements and guest lecturing in university
Project management software for teams will play an even greater classes related to the building industry, with a specialty in advancing
role in everyone’s work to successfully participate and compete technologies.

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