The internet of things (IoT), is a part of everyday life. Smart plugs, smartwatches, smartwatches, and parking sensors are all connected to the technology. These examples are only a fraction of the IoT’s potential global applications. Connected devices are an integral part large-scale connectivity networks, from smart cities to driverless vehicles.
IoT is about gathering data and remotely controlling “things”, making it an effective catalyst for better business decisions and new business models. Carsten Rhod Gregoryersen, founder and CEO of Nabto, believes that technology can be used to extract more value out of fewer resources.
This ability is crucial in the face climate change. Best-case scenarios require aggressive mitigation of carbon emissions. These emissions must be reduced by 40 to 70% compared to 2010. This will lead to mankind aiming to become net zero. IoT is promising in this context by improving the flow and quality of information, people, energy, and goods. Let’s look at how the technology reduces emissions.
Smart energy
smart electricity is a promising application. The IoT-enabled energy supply system is steadily improving and can adjust for changes in energy usage. One small component of smart electrical grid, smart electricity meter allows for real-time communication between utility and consumer. This allows the utility to respond to energy demand more efficiently by coordinating both generation and conservation.
Ericsson Research projects the smart grid alone could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3.9% in 2030 The technology could also bring a customer benefit, as utilities may start rewarding customers for using less energy in high-demand hours.
It is also fascinating to think about how this could work with electric cars or vehicle-to-grid technology. This bidirectional charging process makes it possible to charge the vehicle’s battery using electricity from the network. It also allows the network to use the battery to power various energy consumption requirements.
For example, a driver returning home at night could use the energy stored in an electric car’s battery for household appliances. This allows the driver to recharge the same battery at a later time in the evening when the electricity supplier has the lowest rates. The flexibility offered by vehicle-to grid means that a lithium-ion battery can be charged during hours when renewable energy is available. After that, electricity can be used to charge other sources of power.
Precision farming Improves yields
Precision farming is another application. It is the second-largest contributor to climate change, accounting for 24% of human-generated greenhouse gases emissions. Smart devices are also useful in this area to reduce waste and remove inefficiencies.
Sensors are used to monitor soil and water levels, and allow for site-specific field management. This is crucial because soil fertility and yields can vary greatly, as high as 400% across one field. This technology allows you to identify areas that need fertiliser or moisture and then give different care to each area.
According to the World Economic Forum, could see a global increase in yield of 10-15% if 15-25% farms adopt precision agriculture. Meanwhile, greenhouse gas emissions could be cut by 10% and 20%.
IoT technology can help increase productivity. IoT technology allows farmers monitor all aspects of their equipment, from their tractor fleets to their grain conveyor belts. To determine whether the tractor is operating at its peak efficiency, sensors can be incorporated into tractors. The sensor can alert the farmer if the tractor isn’t running at its peak efficiency so that the necessary repairs can be made as soon as possible. This prevents sudden breakdowns and allows the tractor to stay in the field longer, increasing productivity.
Food tracking and waste prevention
Furthermore, connected devices can help ensure that the food does not go to waste once it is made.
According the Food and Agriculture Organizationof United Nations 1.4 billion tonnes of food are lost or thrown away every year along the supply chain. Food waste that is thrown away into landfills emits greenhouse gases, which negatively impacts the climate and contributes to global warming. The resources used to produce the food are also squandered if they’re thrown away.
Implementing IoT for real-time transparency allows you to track and trace the movement of products through the supply chain, from harvest to processing and distribution to retail. Sensors are rapidly becoming a key component of traceability, identification, and tracking in order to ensure food gets to the right place.
Californian company ZestLabs uses data from IoT sensors in conjunction with predictive analytics and real time alerts to identify and stop fresh food waste. The World Economic Forum has released a report stating that sensor technology could be used to improve traceability in the food supply chain, reducing food waste by 7%.
The race for net zero
The best thing about connected technology is its versatility. These are just three examples of the many applications that connected technology can be used for. It will be fascinating to see what else the technology can be used in the future to achieve net zero.
It is possible to expect that IoT technologies will receive more investment and development. This will allow devices and sensors to play an even larger role in reducing our carbon footprint.
