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Energy Savings in University Buildings: The Potential Role of Smart Monitoring and IoT Technologies

Author

Listed:
  • Alessandro Franco

    (Department of Energy Systems, Territory and Construction Engineering (DESTEC), University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56122 Pisa, Italy)

  • Emanuele Crisostomi

    (Department of Energy Systems, Territory and Construction Engineering (DESTEC), University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56122 Pisa, Italy)

  • Francesco Leccese

    (Department of Energy Systems, Territory and Construction Engineering (DESTEC), University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56122 Pisa, Italy)

  • Antonio Mugnani

    (Green Data Center, University of Pisa, San Piero a Grado, 56122 Pisa, Italy)

  • Stefano Suin

    (Green Data Center, University of Pisa, San Piero a Grado, 56122 Pisa, Italy)

Abstract

Environmental monitoring systems integrated with IoT networks have rapidly evolved, enabling the collection of vast amounts of data accessible to facility managers and authorized users via smartphone apps. This paper presents a system developed to monitor environmental parameters across multiple buildings at the University of Pisa, with a focus on its potential for improving energy efficiency. Efficient energy management has become increasingly important, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, which introduced legal requirements for mechanical ventilation. These measures have significantly increased energy consumption during both winter and summer seasons. Our system, built using low-cost components and a secure IoT network, demonstrates how CO 2 monitoring and smart controls can reduce energy waste in buildings. In a case study conducted on selected buildings, the system achieved up to 34% energy savings. The paper highlights both the benefits and the limitations of current technology in this context, emphasizing the role of IoT in enhancing sustainability while ensuring safety and security within academic institutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Alessandro Franco & Emanuele Crisostomi & Francesco Leccese & Antonio Mugnani & Stefano Suin, 2024. "Energy Savings in University Buildings: The Potential Role of Smart Monitoring and IoT Technologies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-26, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2024:i:1:p:111-:d:1554388
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lee, In & Lee, Kyoochun, 2015. "The Internet of Things (IoT): Applications, investments, and challenges for enterprises," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 58(4), pages 431-440.
    2. Sharifah Nurain Syed Nasir & Norasikin Ahmad Ludin & Ahmad Afif Safwan Mohd Radzi & Mirratul Mukminah Junedi & Norhashimah Ramli & Anezah Marsan & Zul Fauzi Azlan Mohd & Muhamad Roszaini Roslan & Zulf, 2023. "Lockdown impact on energy consumption in university building," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(10), pages 12051-12070, October.
    3. Zhuang, Dian & Gan, Vincent J.L. & Duygu Tekler, Zeynep & Chong, Adrian & Tian, Shuai & Shi, Xing, 2023. "Data-driven predictive control for smart HVAC system in IoT-integrated buildings with time-series forecasting and reinforcement learning," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 338(C).
    4. Nikolaos Papadakis & Dimitrios Al. Katsaprakakis, 2023. "A Review of Energy Efficiency Interventions in Public Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-34, August.
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