Green IoT

The Internet of Things is turning our homes into smart homes. Vehicles are becoming intelligent traffic assistants, and in industry IoT is networking machines and automating production processes. IoT ensures the smooth exchange of data between smart devices and the consolidation of this information in the cloud. Data analysis enables previously unimagined optimization opportunities: Cost reduction, performance improvement, efficiency enhancement. And with all these benefits, IoT also makes a special contribution to pushing climate-friendly and sustainable developments - welcome to the "Green I(nternet) o(f) T(hings)"!

 

Connected vehicles - less fuel consumption

When managing larger vehicle fleets, automobiles are equipped with IoT sensors that transmit data on vehicle condition and driving behavior as well as technical faults to a cloud platform. Through this tracking, fleet managers can monitor vehicles remotely and respond to events at short notice. They can deploy underutilized vehicles elsewhere more quickly and improve routes in real time. Vehicles in need of maintenance check in with dispatch before any problems arise. The entire fleet operation becomes more efficient - saving fuel and CO2 emissions.

 

Sustainable logistics through intelligent tracking

Logistics operators are increasingly using IoT technology to monitor, to control and to optimize their supply chains and goods. In this way, the logistics industry wants to improve its carbon footprint, especially for goods with long transport routes. The Internet of Things ensures route optimization and avoids traffic jams, which in turn saves considerable amounts of fuel. A nice side effect for logistics companies: cost savings

and more precise delivery dates. An absolute win-win situation for all supply chain managers: they can organize the transport of goods as best as possible without detours and delays.

 

Smart cities without traffic congestion

The quality of infrastructure in large cities not only has a decisive influence on the quality of life of all residents. The environmental impact of CO2 emissions and noise also depends on it. Smart cities can use IoT sensors to measure the behavior of road users and flows of people on public transport. This data enables more precise traffic forecasts than before, reducing congestion and optimizing clocking. Intelligent traffic lights adapt the duration of green phases to the respective traffic flow. Networked display panels reroute traffic when necessary. Smart streetlights optimize their power consumption through intelligent dimming functions. Smart waste management measures the fill level of waste containers and adapts the routes of waste collection to demand. All this significantly reduces emissions and noise pollution for all citizens.

 

Smart buildings & smart grid - smart energy management

Smart buildings contribute significantly to the optimization of energy demand with the help of IoT technology. A so-called "smart building" can save up to 70% of energy. IoT sensors find out which factors cause unnecessary power consumption. Smart solutions then optimize the use of lighting, ventilation, air conditioning and heating. This saves energy costs and improves the climate footprint of the building.

 

The next step is the smart grid - an electricity supply network with IoT technology that communicates with smart electricity meters at consumption points. This allows the electricity supplier to respond intelligently to current energy demand and optimize distribution so that no energy is wasted. In particular, the distribution of electricity from renewable sources is coordinated more efficiently in this way.

 

Especially in larger buildings, IoT solutions can ensure that only as much energy is consumed as necessary. Take the Connected Things Hub, for example: The Telekom subsidiary's IoT platform is the central control element for buildings worldwide, into which data from 20,000 sensors flows. The sensors record measurement data such as room temperature and CO2 levels, and this data is in turn analyzed and visualized in near real time by special software. If threshold values are exceeded, the system can intervene immediately and thus create a transparent overview of the over- and under-occupancy of rooms, for example - the ideal database for the most efficient allocation and leasing of space.

 

Resource optimization via IoT technology

Smarter use of resources via IoT technology - example of agriculture: There, IoT solutions can help optimize processes and optimize the use of pesticides and water consumption. There are already smart indoor farming concepts that use up to 95% less water through IoT technology to achieve the same yield as conventional farming. And car-sharing services and the entire principle of the sharing economy in general also help to conserve resources.

 

Conclusion: Green IoT - the base for sustainable, climate-friendly technologies

The Internet of Things plays a key role for a more climate-friendly life and a greener global economy. It can make products more sustainable, it enables more efficient transportation solutions and logistics.

When we talk about digitization and implementing IoT solutions, we are also talking about improving efficiency and reducing costs in manufacturing, transportation, within the supply chain, and in product maintenance. This conserves resources: because cost reduction is often the result of optimized use of raw and production materials - electricity, fuel, water, cotton, iron, wood, oil, precious metals and more.

In other words, reducing costs and increasing profitability in this way makes a positive contribution to sustainability. This attractive type of environmental sustainability will become increasingly important in the future: smart business, smart living. With IoT solutions that are not only geared to business and technological requirements, but also to the issue of sustainability. Because the fact that more and more consumers and customers are attaching importance to sustainability means that companies are reaping the benefits of smart IoT solutions twice over: they reduce costs and improve the carbon footprint at the same time.