The open interfaces of building automation and the Internet of Things enable better data management and improve the user experience in the building.

What kind of problem is the project trying to solve?

The technical systems used in buildings, such as lighting, cooling and safety systems, have long been closed solutions. They have usually been based on the equipment suppliers' own information systems. Integrations between different systems, on the other hand, have largely been separately tailored solutions and have therefore been expensive.

Currently, the wider use of data is hampered by the fact that data obtained from different systems is not described in a uniform manner.

Buildings will increasingly be equipped with devices connected to the Internet of Things and the number of new systems will grow. Openness is required between different systems so that they will meet the daily needs of consumers and businesses in the building sector.

Objective: Data management and new services to users

The aim of the project is to develop cost-efficient methods for sharing information between building automation and the Internet of Things.

The methods obtained as a result of the project will enable better management of open data on the built environment and solutions and services that can be used to improve the functionalities, indoor air conditions and energy efficiency of properties.

Who benefits?

The project will benefit the users, owners, managers and maintainers of the properties.

The communication between systems is visible to users as smooth services, efficient operation and as an environment that supports health and wellbeing. For example, in an office this means that users receive data on vacant meeting rooms and the length of the queue in the restaurant or can effortlessly adjust the temperature and lighting at their work stations.

Open IoT interfaces for building services engineering and properties
Duration: 22 December 2016–30 November 2017
Implemented by: The Smart Buildings and Services research group of the Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering
Partners: Granlund Oy, the City of Helsinki, Helvar Oy, Senate Properties and Tieto Oyj

Contact information:

Heikki Ihasalo, Professor of Practice, Smart buildings and services, Aalto University
Tel. +358 40 8209 623  
Email heikki.ihasalo(at)aalto.fi