This article is a guest post by Jane Marsh, Editor-in-chief of Environment.co. All views/opinions/suggestions are that of the guest writer. This Website may or may not subscribe to them.
The pandemic contributed to a rise in eco-consumerism. Housebound lifestyles made individuals aware of their environmentally degrading consumption patterns. As the world reopens, companies must adopt sustainable practices to meet society’s demands. Businesses can remain competitive in their industry by investing in the eco-friendly Internet of Things (IoT). Engineers develop various systems to monitor resource consumption and harm,
helping companies increase sustainability and efficiency. Commercial, government and residential regions can benefit from utilizing IoT to limit carbon emissions and surface pollution.
Green Buildings
Environmental architecture is a growing industry. Various IoT devices are built into residential and commercial buildings, increasing their energy efficiency. Structures that use less power attain smaller carbon footprints. Smart thermostats are standard devices used for temperature control. They read the weather forecast and adjust indoor temperatures accordingly for maximum efficiency. The device also detects motion in a building, turning off when it is vacant.
Another IoT device that reduces environmental impact is a smart energy monitor. The technology connects to a building’s electricity meter, collecting valuable data. It then converts its findings into graphs and charts presented on a smartphone or tablet. Individuals can use the data to improve the structure’s energy efficiency. Adopting new technology and a sustainable lifestyle can reduce a home or business owner’s carbon footprint over time.
Agriculture
IoT can regulate irrigation in agricultural regions. The agricultural sector uses nearly 70% of the global freshwater supply. In 2050, there will be 9 billion individuals on the planet to feed, increasing food production by 15%.
Rather than depleting our freshwater resources, we can utilize smart sprinklers to optimize watering efficiency. They can conserve freshwater sources and reduce runoff by monitoring the weather and other external influences. The devices read local temperatures and precipitation rates, adjusting watering to increase efficiency.
Autonomous farming equipment also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and pesticide pollution. Robotic weeding devices use various cameras to scan a field for weeds. When detected, the machine zaps invasive plant matter with a specialized laser. The IoT device reduces toxic runoff, conserving aquatic ecosystems. It also helps farmers save
money and energy by limiting the man- and emission-driven power needed to preserve crops.
Climate Change Monitoring
Environmental scientists use IoT for climate change research, gathering data in difficult regions for humans to reach. They utilize monitors to collect land, air and water samples, testing any human-induced effects. The technology helps generate cost-effective and energy-efficient environmental monitoring. Devices send on-site data through the internet, allowing remote researchers to access condition information. It enables professionals to gather more reliable data, which increases the accuracy of research. Researchers also use remote operating vehicles (ROV) to evaluate subsurface regions.
One team sends ROVs to the Arctic to monitor lake ice. Some professionals suggest that northern Canada is warming at three times the global rate, which is alarming. The ROV devices can look through the ice, evaluating the topography and interface. A 4K camera gathers valuable data regarding algae blooms and other environmental effects. From there, remote researchers can confirm or deny climate claims.
Air Quality
Air monitors collect data in South Korean subway tunnels, evaluating environmental and human health impacts. The IoT gathers particulate matter readings, sending the findings to researchers. . Nearly 8 million passengers travel through subway tunnels in the country daily, so accurate results are essential.
New technology can also capture carbon emissions, eliminating atmospheric pollution and reusing it for new power production. . IoT helps carbon-capturing devices monitor air pollution levels and efficiently absorb toxins. The technology is relatively new and displays future benefits for environmental preservation.
IoT Benefits
IoT offers various benefits outside of environmental conservation. It also provides a cleaner planet and product by reducing adverse human health effects. We can protect our health and future generations by utilizing IoT.
Commercial and residential regions may also save money when using eco-friendly technology. Reducing a building’s energy use lowers utility costs. Energy and water savings add up over time, allowing individuals to reduce spending while protecting the environment.
Image by RÜŞTÜ BOZKUŞ from Pixabay
About The Author
Jane works as the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Environment.co. She covers topics on energy and green technology.