IoT adoption drives sustainability

Issue 7 2021 Integrated Solutions, Security Services & Risk Management

Beyond the immediate benefits, like having data about business operations available in real-time, businesses are increasingly exploring and adopting Internet of Things (IoT) solutions to drive their sustainability goals.

The global outbreak of Covid-19 and the impact it had on economies around the globe, coupled with the USA’s renewed resolve to address climate change, has brought sustainability front and centre in business strategies. It is also considered a very important issue for consumers in multiple countries.

Companies in diverse industries have adapted strategies and accelerated the use of technology to drive their sustainability goals. Internet of Things (IoT) technology is one solution that is attracting attention thanks to the significant efficiencies, cost reduction as well as the reduction of carbon emissions the adoption of the technology delivers.

A solution developed by Vodacom Group subsidiary, IoT.nxt can help organisations achieve energy management savings of up to 10% to 15% for clients that rolled out its smart office solution, including a reduction in carbon emissions. The smart fleet application’s efficient-route mapping has also proven to increase productivity and reduce labour costs by up to 12%.

“For utilities, smart meters and sensors can track and control energy consumption, as well as detect faults earlier. With this data, solutions can be implemented to conserve energy and introduce alternative energy sources, such as solar power, reducing the energy bill and improving the green credentials of a building,” says managing executive for IoT at Vodacom Business, Pavesh Govender.

At its most basic, a digital building integrates technology with the physical aspects of a structure to enhance the user experience and maximise the effectiveness of the space. Everything within the space is connected and automated to allow for beneficial interactions between the physical and digital systems as well as people and external elements. Vodacom’s IoT connections through electricity smart meters and smart logistics services have enabled carbon savings of approximately 224 004 mtCO2e in the previous year for its business clients.

“The change to smart buildings especially is gaining traction around the world. The global smart buildings market is projected to grow from $66,3 bn in 2020 to $108,9 bn in 2025. This growth is driven by the emerging trend for eco-friendly, green buildings that provide various smart features. The pandemic has also increased the need for better air quality and more effective ventilation in buildings to minimise the virus’ survival rate,” says Zahir Mamojee, vertical business lead, digital buildings at IoT.nxt.

“Our IoT edge technology makes it possible for companies to achieve full connectivity between all assets without having to replace existing equipment. Not replacing equipment reduces waste and through the data created by monitoring all equipment, the life of existing assets can be extended. Using IoT enables better decision-making, supporting companies’ sustainability goals,” Mamojee says.

“The World Economic Forum stated in a report published when it hosted its Sustainable Development Impact Summit in September last year that ‘it is essential that businesses accelerate technology’. Forward-thinking companies are doing exactly that and we have seen an acceleration of interest and adoption of IoT solutions,” he says.




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

The benefits of offsite control rooms
Astrosec Surveillance Integrated Solutions
As the security landscape grows more intricate, control rooms – the crucial hub of security operations – need to adapt. With escalating costs, mounting threats, and a heightened demand for immediate responses, many organisations are reassessing the operations of their control rooms.

Read more...
edgE:Tower video analytics integrated with SEON
Surveillance Integrated Solutions AI & Data Analytics
Sentronics has announced a new integration between its edgE:Tower advanced AI-driven video analytics solution and SEON, a Central Monitoring Software (CMS) platform. This integration enhances real-time situational awareness and automated threat detection for control rooms.

Read more...
SAFPS issues SAPS impersonation scam warning
News & Events Security Services & Risk Management
The Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) is warning the public against a scam in which scammers pose as members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and trick and intimidate individuals into handing over personal and financial information.

Read more...
Rewriting the rules of reputation
Technews Publishing Editor's Choice Security Services & Risk Management
Public Relations is more crucial than ever in the generative AI and LLMs age. AI-driven search engines no longer just scan social media or reviews, they prioritise authoritative, editorial content.

Read more...
How can South African organisations fast-track their AI initiatives?
AI & Data Analytics Security Services & Risk Management
While the AI market in South Africa is anticipated to grow by nearly 30% annually over the next five years, tapping into the promise and potential of AI is not easy.

Read more...
Efficient, future-proof estate security and management
Technews Publishing ElementC Solutions Duxbury Networking Fang Fences & Guards Secutel Technologies OneSpace Technologies DeepAlert SMART Security Solutions Editor's Choice Information Security Security Services & Risk Management Residential Estate (Industry) AI & Data Analytics IoT & Automation
In February this year, SMART Security Solutions travelled to Cape Town to experience the unbelievable experience of a city where potholes are fixed, and traffic lights work; and to host the Cape Town SMART Estate Security Conference 2025.

Read more...
Stallion repositions itself as a services provider
News & Events Security Services & Risk Management
Stallion has rebranded as Stallion Integrated Solutions to reflect its expanded capabilities beyond traditional security services to delivering integrated solutions that enhance safety, asset management, and operational efficiency.

Read more...
Seven tips to help ensure your backup batteries work
Power Management Security Services & Risk Management
Load shedding is back, officially or not. Lance Dickerson offers seven tips to prolong the life of your power backup systems and ensure they perform as intended when needed.

Read more...
Cybersecurity best practice
Information Security Security Services & Risk Management
Breach and attack simulation has become an essential element of cybersecurity strategies in any modern business by allowing companies to actively detect and resolve vulnerabilities through real-world attack simulations.

Read more...
Historic Collaboration cuts ATM Bombings by 30%
Online Intelligence Editor's Choice News & Events Security Services & Risk Management
Project Big-Bang, a collaborative industry-wide task team, has successfully reduced ATM bombings in South Africa by 30,7% during the predetermined measurement period of November, December and January 2024/5.

Read more...