Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1476549
42 I ICT TODAY RETROFITTING OLDER BUILDINGS WITH SMART TECHNOLOGY Existing buildings comprise the largest segment of the built environment. It is important to initiate energy con- servation retrofits to reduce energy consumption and the cost of heating, cooling, and lighting. Conserving energy is not the only reason for retrofitting existing buildings; retrofitting can often be more cost-effective than building a new facility. Retrofits are an option in all types of buildings, including commercial, hotels, and data centers. They can be designed around sustainability initiatives to reduce operation costs and environmental impacts. They can also increase the buildings' adaptability, durability, and resilience. There is the opportunity to work with the existing framework of buildings. When deciding on a retrofit, it is important to consider upgrading for accessibility, safety, and security simultaneously. The advent of IoT has simplified the introduction of smart technology. Sensors and the equipment that sends the data to the a platform for a host of different digital systems, services, and functions which can change to match the strategy. It makes it relatively easy to switch building functions over time and potentially eliminate obsolescence. A digital building solution using PoE technology will ensure a long-term, cost-effective, and positive future for property owners who enable the sustainability of the building and the health and well-being of the building's occupants. Building owners and investors will be able to adapt goals and plan for long-term management of properties, as the visibility of data in digital buildings will provide information from all assets in real time. While the building itself becomes a high value asset, it could attract premium tenants who are willing to pay high rental fees. Furthermore, PoE technology is the perfect plat- form to host and power many different solutions, such as lighting, HVAC, and security, as well as IoT devices, such as sensors, gateways, and automated window controls. As a plug-and-play data network, it is simple to install, flexible, and safe, offering quick returns on investment through reduction of energy costs, auto- mation of manual tasks, and an improved experience for occupants today and into the future. AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY: Based in the UK, Keith Parker is director of business development of Prysmian Group's Digital Building Solutions program. Keith has held several positions in global factories in 7 industrial locations, manufacturing mil- lions of cable meters annually. In Keith's 25 years at Prysmian Group, he has held numerous responsibilities in operations, quality management, customer liaisons, and supply chain management. He can be reached at keith.parker@prysmiangroup.com. cloud are designed to be low-energy and low-maintenance. Data can also be transmitted directly under one cloud platform where the information can be displayed and analyzed. CONCLUSION The application areas presented in this article offer users practical optimization approaches with short amortiza- tion cycles. Owners and investors can adapt goals and plans for the long-term management of the space. Data visualization in digital buildings provides information from the assets in real time. The building itself becomes