Smart Homes, Connected Communities The challenges of making it happen

Mike Perry
BRE

The IP revolution and connected buildings

The internet protocol (IP) enabled the world wide web (www) We are at the start of the application of IP technologies to the built environment connected buildings Potential for environmental benefits, extending economic and societal impacts The communications revolution will impact on our homes the era of smart homes But it will not happen unless the infrastructure is in place

What is a smart building?

All smart building solutions, including smart homes, have three components:
Infrastructure The communications media Sensors & Actuators Transmission and implementation of information in end users physical, social and economic environments Applications Making the communications loop interactive

Infrastructure -The Communications Medium

Cable, often Cat 5e Wireless Powerline? The infrastructure enables the transmission of information:
Data Voice Video streaming Video conferencing PA (intercom) Video monitoring Building controls RFID

Sensors & Actuators

Detection and transmission of environmental information, for example Smart meters
Power Water

Occupancy
Security Fire Intrusion detection Telecare Telehealth

Health

Environmental
Temperature Lighting Humidity Flood detection

Applications closing the communications loop

Digital Communications allow user interaction through applications some examples
Interface with end user, typically a screen device Remote programming Entertainment Security monitoring Integrated fire systems Scene setting lighting Remote working

Integration of Key Building Functions

IP Communications Network

The technology is a means to an end

The technology is the medium, but not the content Commercial market activity has driven the installation of much infrastructure
Home entertainment & communications Internet access Home security to some extent

Likely that commercial activity will continue to drive bandwidth requirements, eg video-on-demand

Environmental, Economic & Societal applications

Environmental - Monitoring & management functionality Energy
C.27% of all primary energy use in domestic dwellings Smart meter technology two way communications with power utilities Accompanying visual display of real time energy data and cost Government aspiration - smart meters be rolled-out over UK in 10-years, including dwellings Potential for contribution to Code for Sustainable Homes Prospective platform for delivery of IP consumer services

Image: Eon

Environmental Monitoring & Management Ctd

Water use
Emerging crises in water resource use in the UK Supply stable or declining demand outstripping supply Smart water meter technology might facilitate more efficient use

Security & access control

Integrated door lock systems with video monitoring valuable for use with elderly Biometric entry control Intrusion detection Remote alarms, eg mobile phones

Public Services
Healthcare
The number of people >60 yrs will reach or exceed 20m of UK population between 2020-30 Plus those requiring support for independent lifestyle Traditional method of using delivery through acute hospitals unsustainable Potential to use IP based communication technologies to support remote healthcare delivery: Telecare lifestyle support, eg fall monitors Telehealth monitoring vital signs, eg remote cardiac monitoring Could support policy shift to healthcare in the community

Public services Ctd

Education
IP comms schools have potential to make education accessible 24/7 Also creating educational opportunities for all, eg SEN

Community Services
Local Government services Social services Local community intranet The potential for wired-up-communities

Wired-up-Communities
Wired-up-communities foster community spirit supporting social inclusion People within communities can communicate, access local intranet services, and external services via the internet The challenge is to provide such digital communities that are commercially sustaining

Distributed Work Place

The use of IP communications can support remote working Including in the home setting Creating economic opportunities Also, significant incidental benefits; eg reduced carbon emissions from transport

Realising the benefits of smart home solutions

Presently most homes with Broadband have single point access and some wireless provision Realising the full benefits of connected homes will require capability to receive and transmit digital signals throughout the home Eg: Cat5e cable loom throughout house, 2xtwin RJ45 sockets per room

Alternative smart home communications media

Wireless provides convenient connectivity, but will not currently satisfy all bandwidth requirements, eg video-ondemand Other concerns:
More expensive, and still requires cable Not as secure as cable media Commissioning of wireless systems can be more difficult Potential for interference between adjacent wireless routers

Alternative comms media/ ctd .

Powerline transmission of IP signals through existing mains cabling Ideal for retrofit situations but technically challenging Several peaks of activity in past 10-years; indications that current round of development may have cracked problems

The Real Challenge: Establishing digital comms in the supply chain There are problems; here are a few
Lack of recognition: Recent, 130 page White Paper on sustainable homes initially included no mention of connectivity and its benefits First cost focus: Developers still reluctant to take on issue of connectivity Lack of standards: Potential for market fragmentation because of poor interoperability standards

Practicalities
New build
The lesser problem; at the cost of installing a comms loom this should be the de facto choice making digital comms the 5th utility Service provision is a distinct issue, but without the infrastructure this is not an option at all

Retrofit
This is more challenging, costly and disruptive but is 97% of the problem!

Interoperability
DAP Forum setting the context for effective roll-out, including interoperability TAHIs Interoperability initiative deriving the technical standard for interoperability

Bringing down the barriers BREs Innovation Park Seven new build projects - showcasing real installations Buildings are real construction projects place all the demands of full scale projects Insight into practicalities of assimilating innovative methods into the supply chain particularly smart building solutions Raising profile 20,000 visitors since June 05 Also need for education and training

BRE Innovation Park Innovation in Construction

www.bre.co.uk/innovationpark

BRE Innovation Park Innovation in Systems

Stable Block Project

Major refurbishment project of a Victorian stable block Four different refurbishment systems
Proving and showcasing the viability of refurbishment systems Improving the quality of the building Increasing energy efficiency Integration of smart building systems 4 demonstration homes a refurbishment education centre, workshops and first floor offices and meeting rooms.

Completed scheme will incorporate

Due for completion for OffSite09 Will inform development of refurbishment standard

Stable Block Refurbishment Project

www.rethinkinghousingrefurbishment.co.uk

In Summary
The era of connected buildings is here Potential to progress environmental, societal and economic issues to the benefit of all But there are significant issues to be addressed:
The need for interoperability standards: DAP Forum and TAHIs Interoperability initiative Getting the infrastructure in place: getting connectivity into main stream procurement Showcasing the technologies, services and content: BREs Innovation Park new build and refurbishment Need for training and education

BRE welcomes the opportunity of working with industry to support effective roll-out of smart home solutions

Thank you for your attention

Mike Perry P) 01923 664875 M) 07800 622886 E) perrym@bre.co.uk