Honeywell and Cisco Partner to Reduce Environmental Impact of Buildings

In a move towards sustainability and energy efficiency, Honeywell and Cisco have joined forces to introduce an AI-powered solution that adapts building systems in real-time based on occupancy levels. This collaboration aims to not only reduce energy consumption but also optimize the structure for worker productivity and comfort.

By combining Honeywell Forge Sustainability+ for Buildings and Cisco Spaces, the partnership utilizes AI and machine learning to monitor assets and adjust heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems according to real-time occupancy data. This innovation can be implemented in a single building or across an entire campus, providing insights to enhance energy efficiency and building usage.

Cisco Spaces gathers occupancy and environmental data from various sources without the need for additional hardware, which is then utilized by Honeywell Forge Sustainability+ to improve energy efficiency and provide valuable insights on building usage. The integration of Honeywell’s Optimizer Advanced Controller for Buildings further enhances energy efficiency, contributing to greater resiliency.

Room temperatures, lighting, and ventilation are automatically adjusted based on occupants’ locations within the building, allowing for a more personalized and energy-efficient environment. This automation of daily building operations not only optimizes energy usage but also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Greg Turner, the Chief Technology Officer of Honeywell’s Building Automation division, highlighted the significance of this collaboration in addressing carbon emissions from buildings. With the shift towards hybrid work models, building operators now have the opportunity to rethink their HVAC systems and move away from traditional schedules to reduce their environmental impact significantly.

This partnership is part of Honeywell’s overarching goal to help businesses reduce their buildings’ environmental footprint and aligns with the company’s focus on automation and energy transition. Leveraging Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration program, which promotes sustainable and innovative technology solutions, Honeywell and Cisco aim to create more sustainable and inclusive communities.

Wes Sylvester, Vice President of Cisco’s Business Solutions Team, emphasized the potential of integrating IT and OT infrastructures to optimize energy usage and reduce environmental impact. By providing building operators with enhanced visibility and control over operational data, this collaboration sets a new standard for energy efficiency in buildings of all ages and retrofit statuses.

Analysts have recognized the growing importance of energy management for building owners, especially in the context of hybrid work models and lower office utilization. With the pressure to operate facilities efficiently and minimize resource wastage, building owners are looking for innovative solutions to address these challenges.

Honeywell, as an integrated operating company serving various industries globally, is committed to providing actionable solutions through its Aerospace Technologies, Industrial Automation, Building Automation, and Energy and Sustainability Solutions business areas. By leveraging its Honeywell Accelerator operating system and Honeywell Forge IoT platform, the company aims to help organizations solve complex challenges and build a smarter, safer, and more sustainable world.

For more information on Honeywell and their initiatives, visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom. The Rise of Veganism: Why More People are Choosing a Plant-Based Lifestyle

In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards plant-based diets, with more and more people choosing to adopt a vegan lifestyle. This trend can be attributed to a variety of factors, including concerns about animal welfare, the environment, and personal health.

One of the main reasons why people are turning to veganism is because of their ethical beliefs. Many individuals are becoming increasingly aware of the mistreatment of animals in the food industry, and are choosing to abstain from consuming animal products as a way to protest against this cruelty. By opting for a vegan diet, individuals can feel good knowing that they are not contributing to the suffering of animals.

Another driving force behind the rise of veganism is environmental concerns. The meat and dairy industries are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. By cutting out animal products from their diets, individuals can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and help combat climate change. Additionally, the production of plant-based foods requires much less land, water, and resources compared to animal agriculture, making it a more sustainable option for feeding a growing global population.

Personal health is also a motivating factor for many people who choose to go vegan. Numerous studies have shown that plant-based diets can lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. By consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, individuals can improve their overall health and well-being.

The rise of veganism is evident in the increasing availability of plant-based options in restaurants, grocery stores, and even fast food chains. This growing demand for vegan products is driving innovation in the food industry, leading to the development of new and delicious plant-based alternatives to traditional animal products.

Overall, the rise of veganism can be attributed to a combination of ethical, environmental, and health-related factors. As more people become aware of the benefits of a plant-based diet, it is likely that this trend will continue to grow in the years to come. By choosing to go vegan, individuals can make a positive impact on their own health, the welfare of animals, and the health of the planet.