The Future of Occupancy Sensing Technology in Facilities

Occupancy sensing technology has proven to be a significant advancement for numerous organisations in terms of cost reduction and energy conservation. Its primary application lies in lighting, where sensors are utilised to deactivate lights in unoccupied areas. However, the potential of occupancy sensing technology extends well beyond energy conservation.

A recent report by Guidehouse Insights projects a significant growth in the market for occupancy sensing technology over the next decade. The report anticipates the market to expand from $6.6 billion in 2024 to $10.9 billion in 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate of 5.7 percent. This growth is attributed to the escalating use of occupancy data for various purposes such as space planning, maintenance optimisation, and building access and security systems.

Space planning, particularly in desk hoteling, stands out as a key application of occupancy sensing technology. By leveraging occupancy data, organisations can maximise the allocation of office space and resources, leading to enhanced efficiency and cost savings. Additionally, precise occupancy data is vital for building access and security systems, enabling organisations to oversee and control employee access in sensitive areas.

According to William Hughes, a principal research analyst with Guidehouse Insights, occupancy sensors possess a multitude of potential uses beyond managing lighting. Hughes emphasises that “The sensors’ primary application is to avoid operating lights in vacant spaces, but they can have many other use cases in building, where they could help avoid unnecessary costs without affecting tenant comfort.”

Moreover, the report underscores the potential for integrating occupancy data from various building automation systems (BAS) into a unified occupancy system. This integration could empower buildings to synchronise their BAS and offer improved services to tenants through the building management system (BMS). Nonetheless, the adoption of integrated occupancy systems remains constrained, and the report suggests that growth in this area may be gradual for the time being.

The article also presents a case study on Kentucky Kingdom, an amusement park that implemented occupancy sensing technology to optimise restroom cleaning schedules. By utilising occupancy data, the park was able to prioritise cleaning based on actual usage, resulting in cost savings and heightened customer satisfaction.

In conclusion, the future of occupancy sensing technology in facilities appears promising, with a diverse array of potential applications beyond mere lighting management. As organisations continue to explore fresh approaches to leverage occupancy data, the market for occupancy sensing technology is poised to undergo substantial growth in the years ahead.