From Data to Action: How LoRaWAN Air Quality Sensors Improve Building Performance

LoRaWAN air quality sensors, such as the Milesight AM103 monitor key environmental factors, including:

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): A critical indicator of indoor ventilation and air circulation.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Harmful gases emitted from furniture, cleaning products, and industrial processes.

Particulate Matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10): Tiny airborne particles that affect respiratory health.

Temperature and Humidity: Key factors influencing comfort, energy efficiency, and air quality.

Light and Sound Levels: Additional parameters that contribute to workplace comfort and productivity.

By collecting and transmitting this data in real time, these sensors empower building managers to make informed decisions about ventilation, energy use, and occupant wellbeing.

Air quality sensors improve ventilation efficiency. Poor indoor air quality due to high CO₂ levels can lead to drowsiness, reduced concentration, and discomfort. LoRaWAN sensors continuously monitor CO₂ levels and trigger actions such as:

• Automatically activating HVAC systems when CO₂ thresholds are exceeded.
• Sending alerts to building managers for manual intervention if ventilation is insufficient.
• Opening smart windows or adjusting airflow based on real-time occupancy data.

As an example, a school using a LoRa air quality sensor can receive real-time CO₂ alerts, prompting teachers to open windows or activate mechanical ventilation to improve air quality.

Traditional ventilation and HVAC systems waste energy by running continuously, even when air quality is at optimal levels. LoRaWAN air quality sensors optimise energy use by:

• Adjusting HVAC operation based on demand rather than running on fixed schedules.
• Reducing unnecessary heating / cooling when air quality and occupancy levels are stable.
• Providing long-term air quality trends to optimise ventilation strategies.

For example, an office with this sensor type can adjust air conditioning based on occupancy to prevent excessive cooling or heating in unused spaces. This, in turn, cuts energy costs without sacrificing comfort.

Indoor pollutants like VOCs (volatile organic compounds), CO₂, and particulate matter significantly impact occupant health. High levels of pollutants can cause headaches, respiratory issues, and long-term health risks. LoRaWAN sensors help by:

• Detecting VOCs and altering facility managers to take corrective actions, such as increasing ventilation.
• Monitoring particulate matter to assess indoor pollution levels in industrial and office environments.
• Providing visual indicators (like LED traffic lights) to inform occupants when air quality is poor.

Another example could be of a hospital using one of these sensors; they can track CO₂, VOCs, and humidity in patient rooms, ensuring a safe and healthy indoor environment.

Many industries and governments have introduced strict air quality regulations for indoor environments. In aid of this, LoRaWAN sensors help to:

• Meet indoor air quality regulations by continuously logging and reporting real-time data.
• Achieve green building certifications like BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) – which has been developed in the United States but is also used in the UK, especially for multinational companies, or buildings aiming for global recognition – and WELL Building Standard, which focuses more on occupant health and wellbeing, but includes air quality and lighting for the benefit of mental wellbeing. This is gaining popularity in the UK, particularly in offices and commercial buildings.
• Reduce carbon footprints by optimising energy usage and ventilation efficiency.

A corporate office deploying LoRaWAN sensors can use data analytics to demonstrate compliance with sustainability targets, supporting ESG (environmental, social, and governance) reporting.

With the integration of AI and IoT (Internet of Things) platforms, LoRaWAN sensors are predicted to become even more powerful. Future advancements could allow smart buildings to:

• Use AI (artificial intelligence in the broad sense; this is used for want of a more complex term as technology advances to develop intuitive programs that can assist with the interpretation of real-time information and respond with helpful actions based on this) to predict air quality trends and adjust ventilation before issues arise.
• Integrate with building automation systems for fully autonomous air quality management.
• Leverage big data analytics to optimise air quality strategies across multiple buildings.

These innovations will further reduce energy waste, improve indoor health, and streamline building operations, making data-driven air quality management an industry standard.

LoRaWAN air quality sensors are game-changers for smart buildings, transforming real-time data into actionable insights that enhance performance. By improving ventilation reducing energy waste, ensuring compliance, and protecting occupant health, these sensors help buildings operate more efficiently and sustainably.

Implementing LoRaWAN air quality sensors is a proactive step towards better air quality, lower energy costs, and smarter building management. Start integrating these solutions today and turn your data into real action.