Workplace sensor technology has flourished due to the many ways the data obtained can benefit building owners, operators, and occupants of connected buildings. Sensors offer a wide range of functional uses, from monitoring and managing environmental controls for comfort and cost efficiency to effectively managing space requirements and usage.
AVUITY’s Environmental Capabilities
AVUITY’s workplace sensors offer a comprehensive solution to help organizations monitor and manage energy consumption, aligning with EPC compliance standards. These sensors track occupancy and various environmental metrics—such as temperature, humidity, and lighting—enabling real-time adjustments that reduce energy usage and improve operational efficiency. With AVUITY’s technology, businesses can ensure they’re meeting regulatory requirements and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Established case for sensor technology data impact on space considerations
Sensor-provided data is useful for companies considering their overall need for square footage, the appropriate design of the square feet they maintain, the impact of remote and hybrid work policies on existing or proposed facilities, and more. AVUITY sensors can measure occupancy from multiple perspectives, enabling analysis of a wide range of data points:
- Overall utilization rates at a global scale or entire portfolio
- Office utilization rates in a specific city
- Office utilization rates in a specific site or building
- Utilization of a specific floor
- Usage of specific space types like conference rooms, phone booths or special rooms
- Usage of a specific area of the room, such as a break station or lounge area
- Usage of an individual desk or workstation
However, sensor functionality extends beyond occupancy detection and measurement. Sensors connected to build management systems can initiate actions that change lighting levels, temperature, and humidity as needed. Such functions offer more immediate financial and other benefits by reducing energy usage while maintaining employee comfort.
Short-term versus long-term results
Using occupancy data to influence a company’s overall square footage, utilization, and design creates longer-term opportunities. However, the immediate benefits from cost savings and employee satisfaction stem from the connection to building management systems. For example, with dynamic mode occupancy switching, if a building’s sensors detect a high occupant density in a specific area, the connected BMS can alter the temperature and lighting levels to ensure a comfortable environment. On the other hand, if a specific area reports lower than anticipated occupancy, reducing the airflow, temperature control, and lighting levels can reduce energy consumption, saving money and supporting environmental goals. AVUITY’s sensors integrate seamlessly with building systems via Normal, a software supervisory control framework that allows advanced data integration and control of IoT and building management systems via many protocols, including BACnet. To read more about the integration and use cases, read our HVAC Integration Guide here (also available as a PDF download).
Scheduled Trimming
In addition to dynamic occupancy adjustments during the course of the work day, additional energy savings can be unlocked with scheduled trimming. Many buildings (especially offices) are not occupied 24/7; they are primarily occupied during business hours. For this reason, nearly every HVAC control system can create schedules which change setpoints throughout the day or week.
Analysis of occupancy data may demonstrate that no zones are occupied for a period at the beginning and end of the day; even a 30-minute daily reduction in operating time may result in significant savings.
Meeting environmental protection and healthy building standards
In the US, there are no national requirements for energy consumption or efficiency in commercial buildings. However, many building operators strive to meet LEED standards for health buildings. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Design) standards are promulgated by the US Green Building Council, which has a mission to transform how buildings and communities are designed and operated with the goal of creating healthy, equitable, thriving places to advance human and environmental well-being.
LEED is the most widely used rating system for green buildings, and a LEED certification is recognized worldwide as emblematic of sustainability. LEED projects have reached 197,000 worldwide, covering 29 billion square feet in over 186 countries and territories.
LEED buildings command higher rent
USGBC points out that LEED-rated buildings have higher resale values and lower operational costs compared to other facilities. Also, these buildings create fewer GHGs (greenhouse gasses) from water consumption, solid waste, and transportation.
In addition to the added value for owners, buildings that reduce energy usage and emissions are able to command higher rental prices. The JLL Future of Work survey found that 74% of building tenants are willing to pay a premium for an office space with green credentials.
Voluntary and mandated standards are growing
While there are currently no national standards, nearly half of US states have or are seeking to pass legislation requiring increased energy efficiency and reduced emissions in buildings. California, a global leader in environmental issues, has enacted the first state-mandated green building code in the US. CALGreen requires all new commercial construction (and 50% of commercial building stock) to reach net zero by 2030. The City of San Francisco has an even tougher standard, requiring new construction to be all-electric.
In other states, measures are also being taken to reduce greenhouse gasses and emissions:
- Maryland and NY have passed legislation to begin the transition away from using fossil fuels for building heat (heat is the source of nearly 30% of US greenhouse gasses).
- The District of Columbia passed a net-zero building code, and is leveraging friends from the Inflation Reduction Act to implement it.
- Massachusetts now requires energy usage reporting for buildings with more than 20,000 square feet.
Other countries have been even more progressive, led by the EU, China, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Egypt, and Syria.
In the European Union, new buildings have had to meet standards for being “nearly zero energy” since 2020. That standard will change to zero emissions for public buildings in 2028 and for all others in 2030.
Energy Performance Regulations in Europe
In Europe, new regulations mandate that commercial buildings meet specific energy efficiency standards assessed through Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). These certificates, which rate buildings based on their energy consumption, are becoming a critical factor for companies operating within the EU. Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are essential tools in evaluating and improving building energy efficiency across Europe.
The European Union’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) sets the framework for these requirements, making compliance a major priority for organizations aiming to avoid penalties and support sustainability goals. Failing to meet EPC standards can lead to significant fines, making compliance crucial for businesses in the region.
Lack of regulation isn’t suppressing demand for green buildings
Despite the absence of national or state requirements for sustainability in buildings, JLL has reported that 60% of US companies have identified technologies to enhance environmental sustainability as their priorities for 2025. JLL’s Future of Work Survey noted that three-quarters of businesses know that their employees expect their workplace to have a positive impact on the environment. Similarly, 60% of US workers expect their employer to support their health and well-being.
In North America, the market for occupancy sensors reached $1.2 billion dollars in 2023, and the CAGR is expected to be 12.10 from 2024 to 2032. Globally, the market is expected to be $6.6 billion in 2024, growing to $10.9 billion by 2033.
How do occupancy sensors save energy and money?
Occupancy sensors such as VuAI tie into building management systems and measure environmental factors like:
- Temperature
- Light
- Noise
- Humidity
If a space is warmer than it should be (or needs to be), the VuAI sensor data instructs the building HVAC to reduce the heat. This proactive decision works to save energy (and money) and to enhance employee comfort. For example, suppose a large conference room is scheduled to have ten occupants but instead a group of 30 arrives, and the group size increases the temperature in the room rapidly.
If no information was sent to the HVAC to lower the heating level, that group would quickly become uncomfortable. With the automated adjustment, the room occupants will find the cooler temperatures more conducive to their gathering, and less energy will be consumed in heating.
How much do occupancy sensors save on energy?
The level of savings in energy and money will vary depending on the HVAC system architecture, but every building can enjoy a more efficient approach to temperature and ventilation controls based on data provided by the sensor integration. One study estimates that energy usage may be reduced by as much as 24% by a sensor-based controller.
Ancillary savings from reduced cleaning and maintenance
Aside from reduced demand for air conditioning and heating, data from occupancy sensors can inform decisions about cleaning schedules, offering another opportunity to effect cost reductions while positively impacting employee comfort and satisfaction. In most office buildings, occupancy remains at a lower level than before the pandemic. With remote and hybrid work policies, many companies have significantly unused or underused space.
AVUITY clients have the opportunity to alter cleaning schedules (for restroom facilities, break rooms, and general work areas) in each area over time. By measuring restroom usage and isolating activity in specific areas, clients can customize cleaning schedules to reflect the need according to usage in each area.
Summary and conclusion
Occupancy sensing technology has become increasingly valuable for building owners and operators seeking to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and meet environmental standards. Sensors like those provided by AVUITY offer comprehensive data on space utilization, enabling informed decisions about square footage needs, office design, and remote work policies. When integrated with building management systems, these sensors can automatically adjust lighting, temperature, and humidity based on real-time occupancy, leading to significant energy savings and improved employee comfort.
The push for more sustainable buildings is driven by both voluntary standards like LEED certification and emerging state and local regulations. While the U.S. lacks national requirements for commercial building energy efficiency, many states and cities are implementing their own standards. Globally, countries like those in the EU are setting ambitious targets for zero-emission buildings.
Despite the lack of universal regulations, demand for green buildings is growing. Companies recognize the importance of sustainability to their employees and are prioritizing technologies that enhance environmental performance. The market for occupancy sensors is expanding rapidly, reflecting this trend.
By providing detailed occupancy data and integrating with HVAC systems, sensors like AVUITY's VuAI can significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions while improving occupant comfort. This technology is becoming an essential tool for building operators looking to meet environmental standards, reduce costs, and create healthier, more efficient workspaces. To get started, inform decisions about cleaning schedules.
