IoE Can Be Key to More Energy Efficient Colleges

The Internet of Everything (IoE) is becoming more real than ever, particularly in education. As we begin to see this massive transformation taking place, schools for both K-12 and higher education are utilizing Cisco networks to run applications and pilot projects that benefit both the students and the faculty. We expect to see more and more of these examples in education, specifically, as schools, colleges, and universities find new and different ways to leverage these technologies.

Schools and colleges have proven that initiatives around Bring Your own Device (BYOD) and Connected Learning are part of the bigger picture when connecting people, process, data and things. But what may not immediately come to mind is that IoE can drive energy efficiency for colleges.

On Tuesday, July 22, journalists and analysts heard from Chicago-based leaders in local government, public safety and education about the impact of IoE in public sector during Cisco’s two-day IoE and Innovation event held in the Windy City.

Bonnie Kang, Dean of College 2 Careers, Information Technology at Wilbur Wright College – one of seven independently accredited colleges through the City Colleges of Chicago – spoke about how upcoming IT projects to be carried out at the campus will not only help students learn, but they will also make the college more energy efficient.

During the IoE event, Kang discussed one unique project in the pipeline that will help students and staff monitor data for better decision making around the campus’s energy usage. Using technology, the school will monitor and display the use, duration, and cost impact of unnecessary usage of accessible door entrances. When non-accessible needs individuals walk in and out of entrances designated for individuals with access and functional needs, energy can be wasted since the campus buildings are always either heated or cooled.

Once data is collected that identifies a waste of energy usage within Wilbur Wright College, that data can be used as supporting evidence to encourage non-accessible needs students and staff to use the campus’ revolving doors instead.

Examples like these, where schools are leveraging the power of IoE, can help them become more sustainable and environmentally friendly. As we approach the IoT World Forum this October in Chicago, I look forward to seeing more examples of how schools plan to use technology and creativity to embrace IoE through exciting new projects.