Smart Home System - Report Example

Engineering ethics and innovation: smart home system Name: Tutor: Course: Date: Table of Contents 1.Introduction 2 2.Innovations in smart home systems 2 3.Ethical issues in the smart home system 3 4.Social, economic and environmental responsibility 6 4.1 Social sustainability 6 4.2 Environmental responsibility 7 4.3 Economic sustainability 7 5.Role of engineering innovation and sustainability in smart home system 8 6.Challenges in producing the required information 8 7.Competencies used in developing the document 9 References 10 APPENDICES 12 POSTER PRESENTATION 12 1. Introduction Smart home automation systems are innovation that brings together disciplines such as networking, security, lighting and entertainment. Home automation systems have been developed to save money and energy during construction and use of buildings (Green Media, 2005). Smart home technology such as heating system remote automation and remote alarm monitoring are of greater concern to contemporary home owners. Construction and installation of smart home automation systems requires the input of control, civil, and electrical engineers as well as architects to consolidate the various devices within a home (Hyde, 2012). Some aspects smart home systems critical to these engineers include home networking, energy and water management, lighting control, home communications, control systems, home theatre, and multi-room audio and video, and home security and access control. The increased use smart homes technology especially in Australia is based on statistics indicating that 20 percent of greenhouse gases in the country come from households (Commonwealth of Australia, 2005). As dicussed below, incorporating renewable energy technologies, products and energy-efficient designs in buildings have social, financial and environmental benefits. 2. Innovations in smart home systems Engineers play a leading role in smart home innovation in areas such as intelligent technologies, environment, and design and construction. Intelligent technologies have accessible cabling for CCTV security, computers, telephone and energy management (Harper, 2003). The controls are precise and simple for reducing energy wastage and heating. Lights are controlled at single point while movement sensors are sensitive to both fire and night-time wandering. However, uptake of smart technologies and sustainable housing designs remains low despite increased consumer awareness on reducing emissions and overall energy consumption (Yamazaki, 2006). I think that engineers have a role in reducing ecological footprint through sustainable housing alternatives that improves liveability for residents, prolongs life of the house and minimizes energy resource use. Environmentally, the innovation includes grey water recycling, low energy light fittings, low embodied energy materials, solar spaces acting as temperature barriers (Mann, 2005). Design and construction innovation includes limited wet-trades, recycled cellulose insulation and newspapers, offsite fabrication of timber panes and removable ducts at ceiling levels and skirting. Moreover, central device ducts carry dry and wet services. Free hot water for houses is facilitated by rooftop solar water heaters. In addition, Western Red Cedar cladding materials have been specifically selected since they have low maintenance, long life and sustainability. From these innovation systems, design engineers input and integrate technologies that reduces the impact of waste and pollution on residents and environment (Harper, 2003). For example, Hyatt hotel in Canberra is a smart building fitted with security systems and services, entertainment provision and personalization, appliance control and surveillance, and statistics generations and energy consumption metering (AHURI, 2003). Residents and guests to the hotel report solar hot water heating, grey water recycling, CCTV and lower utility bills (Mann, 2005). Despite the success, maintenance engineers in the building still find challenges in corrective maintenance. I have learned that engineers need to involve maintenance staff in the early stages of the project to avoid inheriting problems on which they were not partied. I believe that when negative comments emerge from guests and residents, there will be a likelihood of high staff turnover and poor reputation of the hotel. 3. Ethical issues in the smart home system Sustainability in smart home systems is a critical area that involves ethics, supplier responsibility, environment and community (Mobbs, 2010). During installation of the systems, engineers have to demonstrate honesty, integrity, and culture of transparency. Moreover, all the stakeholders must be involved in creation and maintenance of transparent culture. I think all the time, the engineers involved in design and installation of smart home automation systems should do the right thing and not because someone is behind their back supervising. I also believe that the engineers especially the lead engineer must be able to clearly articulate employee and client responsibilities, address conflicts of interest, demonstrate responsibility to vendors and customers, comply with laws and reporting. By adopting a Code of Conduct, engineers are able to uphold ethics and management systems, sound environmental practices, health and safety and standards for labor (Yamazaki, 2006). Supplier responsibility intersects with environmental and social responsibility (Mobbs, 2010). Engineers are at the helm of creating better business and labor relationships, meeting customer expectations, and improving the quality of smart home technology. For example, suppliers can partner with client companies to provide tested, assembled and manufactured integrated circuits through multilayered approach and responsible procurement process (Intille, 2002). I believe engineers can develop business operations that are conducted ethically and environmentally responsible if suppliers are able to meet the high standards of product performance and liability. I think that the working environment, rights and lives of people building electronic products should be of interest to lead engineers and contractors. Adopting a code of conduct affirms social responsibility in smart homes through a responsible supply chain. Australian Code of ethics mandates that suppliers observe best practices, meet internationally recognized standards, and conform to the regulations, rules and laws (Commonwealth of Australia, 2005). Engineers have a commitment to conservation by leading the way in recycling, water conservation and smart energy. Mitigating the effects on environment is by shrinking the carbon footprint and reducing energy use (Intille, 2002). For example, using smart homes reduces power savings by 50 percent and annual reduction of 24 million tons of carbon dioxide globally (Intille, 2002). The State of Queensland (2005) provides that Smart Housing should incorporate design that lowers the impact of houses on the community and environment by conforming to sustainable ethics and principles. Honesty and genuine concern for communities must be practiced during listing of building products, electronic devices, domestic appliances and structural design elements (Green Media, 2005). Engineers must choose to enabling adaptations, prolong the life of the house and minimize overall energy resource use. Over time, design and construction of houses need to meet the changing needs of a family. Genuine concern for the residents should be demonstrated on how occupants will move in house and safety from accidents (Hyde, 2012). I think it would be unethical for contractors to economize materials and produce dangerous flooring surfaces that users can easily slip or trip. In terms of security, I think smart homes should be able to utilize knowledge to protect entry points and use monitoring devices to detect potential intruders and visitors outside. Engineers can help reduce anxiety of security and household risks by providing well-being and sense of satisfaction for housing residents. In 2005, Queensland pioneered a Research House to train, test and demonstrate innovative and new technologies in housing (The State of Queensland, 2005). The center addresses concerns of accountability, effectiveness, honesty and trust in monitoring sustainable and smart houses. Built in Rockhampton, the research house design buildings suitable for sub-tropical environment, incorporates and utilizes building practices and products that ensures safety and welfare of the residents (The State of Queensland, 2005). Smart Housing ought to embrace the idea of universal design in order to maximize living comfort and minimize energy consumption. Moreover, it should be able to orient the house to improve natural light and airflow, design open-plan rooms such as flat reduce-slip flooring, and insulate walls and ceilings (Green Media, 2005). It is ethically irresponsible to ignore the needs of residents that change over time (Mankoff, et al. 2002). For example, smart house designs that fail to incorporate ‘future-proofing’ creates rigidity and massive cost modifications. These aspects if not included in the original construction phases can also endanger the lives of residents (Green Media, 2005). Therefore, engineers must develop devices, appliances and products that can be monitored for usability, durability, product performance, and energy consumption. I think that contractors and engineers must be able to follow ethical clearance protocols and obtain legal planning documents before establishing smart buildings. I think they can do so by investigating the social dimension of smart homes and gathering first-hand information on the needs of residents. All the stakeholders must be incorporated in the smart house designs and proper communication on effects of building products and technologies in the lives of people and communities addressed (Barr, 2004). Ethically, sustainable home should improve living conditions of residents, save costs and guarantee their safety (Mann, 2005). I believe that engineers of all walks of life involved in the design and construction smart homes should assess physical layouts and designs in order to provide houses with spaciousness, accessibility, natural lighting, and the airflow. I think that when ethics are practiced by engineers in design and construction of smart homes, the negative impact of various housing features on the family lifestyle will be reduced. 4. Social, economic and environmental responsibility Smart home systems implement energy saving program that substantially reduce energy consumption (Mann, 2005). Electrical and design engineers can implement power saving steps, support pollution prevention programs and favor the use of sustainable resources in activities, services and products. For example, using a computerized lighting control system uses 60 percent less electricity. This is because fluorescent-bulb technology consumes 30 percent less power and produces 40 percent brighter light (Hyde, 2012). On the other hand, advanced electronic lighting ballasts compared to standard ballasts save 50 percent more energy (Hyde 2012). Smart homes are specifically designed and built to respond to social, environmental and economic sustainability. Design engineers engender home designs with people in mind (Yamazaki, 2006). Their greatest concerns are universal designs, security and safety to suit diverse needs and provision of comfort to people at different stages in their lives and abilities. For example, in Queensland, people are now designing their homes to respond to climate, adaptability, cost-efficiency, and changing home needs (Commonwealth of Australia, 2005). Smart homes are efficient in waste, energy, and water minimization (environmental sustainability). I have learned that smart homes are also cheap to maintain, comfortable (social sustainability), cost-efficient over time (economic sustainability), and compliments our unique environment. 4.1 Social sustainability The way house design impact on the lives of the people is social sustainability (Mann, 2005). During design brief, designers and architects consider the future needs of the client such as their life phases and temporary needs resulting from injury or illness (Barr, 2004). I believe that a smart house can last longer and its design stage considers future use. The house may change ownership from the original client to another hence, a universal design is advised. This shows that an engineer has a role in building a safe, easily adaptable and safe houses for people with diverse needs and abilities. Stakeholders such as Queensland police service, department of emergency services, department of communities and Queensland Health have been vocal in the innovative home designs at design stage. They prevail on engineers to produce safe, flexible, secure and accessible home especially to children, the aged, and the disabled (Mynatt, et al. 2002). I learned that socially sustainable houses satisfies communities and contribute to safety. Smart homes have not only have enhanced participation of Australian communities, but also discouraged crime and reinforced their social networks (Commonwealth of Australia, 2005). Moreover, engineers have been able to provide a stimulating and aesthetically pleasing built environment that strengthens sense of well-being in people and residents of the community. 4.2 Environmental responsibility In recent years, environmental sustainability has become the most accepted and understood element of sustainability (Hyde, 2012). Environmental sustainability of smart homes has much to do with resource efficiency especially with regard to waste, energy use and water minimization (Barr, 2004). Resource efficiency in smart homes are concerned with garden and house water efficiency, construction and occupancy water efficiency and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (Hyde, 2012). In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, there is need for passive solar designs and house orientations that utilizes prevailing breezes to capture natural ventilation. I think resource efficiency also relates to energy consumption of appliances and lights as well as air conditioners, room heaters and hot water systems. I think that resource efficiency enhances resident’s lifestyle benefits in terms of improved thermal comfort and lowered running costs. A valuable asset is the local knowledge of the designers especially when working with communities (Hyde, 2012). I feel that engineers have a role in finding out the most appropriate housing design that addresses issues such as suburban sprawl and growth, water catchments, biodiversity, climatic conditions and regional land use. 4.3 Economic sustainability Over the lifespan of a house, economically sustainable house is cost-efficient (Hyde, 2012). The smart house provides a clear picture of affordability by balancing construction and upfront costs. Quantity surveyors and civil engineers are able to monitor living and ongoing running costs and project future modifications and long-term maintenance costs. I think that at community level, economic sustainability considers cost savings. I have learned that secure and safe housing saves potential litigation expenses, insurance premiums and cost of policing. There are also costs associated with loss of productivity and income, and treatment of injuries (Mynatt, et al. 2002). I think that smart houses have broader market appeal and meet diverse future community needs since they continue to attract higher resale value and demand. 5. Role of engineering innovation and sustainability in smart home system From an ethical and sustainable perspective, smart houses have been found to incorporate the principles of quality design at the construction phase to promote well-being, health and safety of users (Harper, 2003). I think that by designing a house based on these principles eliminates gloom, increases airflow, incorporate flat access, and utilizes natural lighting. Innovation of open spaces allows for ease of movement and reduces opportunity for injury. Research House developed in the state of Queensland has help to address innovation and sustainability issues in the construction phase (Commonwealth of Australia, 2005). From the opinions of residents in the smart house, the design elements positively impacted on their safety, well-being and feelings. They reported no trips or slips attributed to the spaciousness and reduced-slip tiling. Engineers had designed flat access points around and in the house to allow heavy objects movements in and out of the house without any risk of injury or strain. Through ethical design, purchasing and construction, major benefits have accrued to residents in terms of minimized risk of injury, health, comfort and well-being. 6. Challenges in producing the required information First, I had problems obtaining the right information regarding smart home systems and especially its scope. I noticed that I could confine the search to Australia and the theme of engineering innovation and ethics. I learned that smart homes have different innovations that required specific information. Second, I found that I needed to understand innovation, ethics and sustainability without having to wander from the topic. To overcome this challenge, I decided to develop themes based on innovation, ethical responsibility and sustainability. I also ensured to use various examples and references in the Australian context. I also utilized the Australia Stage 1 Competencies Document to guide on specific areas that needed to be addressed. 7. Competencies used in developing the document Regarding knowledge and skill base, I used knowledge of contextual factors such as ethics and sustainability that impact the engineering discipline to better understand the input and role of engineers in social, economic and environmental sustainability. I have understood and identified the interaction of smart homes and people’s safety, welfare and happiness. I now understand the principles behind design of smart homes and clearly comprehended the role of engineers in this context. On professional and personal attributes, I have learned ethical conduct and professional accountability. I have demonstrated an understanding of Engineers Australia-Codes of Ethics by developing an original paper, referencing and researching on topics that espouse group ethics and sustainable practices. I now comprehend the need for accountability by a professional engineer in protecting the environment and safety of residents while building smart homes. References Australian Housing & Urban Research Institute (AHURI) (2003). Housing policy and sustainable urban development: Evaluating the use of local housing strategies in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. Australian Housing & Urban Research Institute, University of Sydney Centre. Barr, S. (2004). Are we all environmentalists now? Rhetoric and reality in environmental action, Geoforum, Vol. 35, pp. 231-249. Commonwealth of Australia (2005). Australian Government: Department of the Environment & Heritage. Greenhouse Office: Community and Households. Green Media. (2005). Green Consumer Guide. Date accessed 7 th March 2005. Harper, R. (2003). Inside the Smart Home. Springer. Hyde, R. (2012). Bioclimatic Housing: Innovative Designs for Warm Climates.Routledge. Intille, S. S. (2002). Designing a home of the future. IEEE Pervasive Computing, 1(2):76–82. Mankoff, J., Matthews, D., Fussell, S. R. & Johnson, M. (2002). Leveraging social networks to motivate individuals to reduce their ecological footprints. Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, 0:87a. Mann, W. C. (2005). Smart technology for aging, disability and independence : the state of the science. John Wiley and Sons. Mobbs, M. (2010). Sustainable House. Choice Books. Mynatt, E.D. & Rogers W.A. (2002). Developing technology to support the functional independence of older adults. Aging International. 27:24–41. The State of Queensland. (2005). Department of Housing: Research House: Towards Healthy and Sustainable Housing Research Project. Queensland Government. Yamazaki, T. (2006). Beyond the smart home. Hybrid Information Technology, International Conference on, 2:350–355. APPENDICES POSTER PRESENTATION Smart home systems: Australian perspective Innovation in smart homes Smart homes enhances social, environmental and economic sustainability Sustainability in smart homes The built environment utilizes integrated digital communications to enhance fault reporting, carbon usage and thermal comfort. It facilitates installation of security services and management of systems alongside the equipment schedules. The concept of sustainability constitutes social, economic and environmental sustainability of smart homes in what is termed as triple bottom line philosophy. The philosophy provides for waste and resource efficiency, security and safety of residences, and cost efficiency over time. Smart homes are able to respond to changes in external conditions to keep the room safety, comfortable and secure Engineers’ role in smart home systems Structural engineers employ interface controllers, devices, transmission protocols and signal transmission media in smart homes. They design homes that homes to respond to climate, adaptability, cost-efficiency, and changing home needs. Research house management systems plan above demonstrate use of domestic control and remote applications to improve the lives of residents. Innovation, ethics and sustainability Smart homes allow for entertainment, and checking system and equipment status. Designing a house based on ethical principles eliminates gloom, increases airflow, incorporates flat access, and utilizes natural lighting. Electrical and design engineers can implement power saving steps, support pollution prevention programs and favor the use of sustainable resources in activities, services and products. For example, using a computerized lighting control system uses 60 percent less electricity. Read More

For example, Hyatt hotel in Canberra is a smart building fitted with security systems and services, entertainment provision and personalization, appliance control and surveillance, and statistics generations and energy consumption metering (AHURI, 2003). Residents and guests to the hotel report solar hot water heating, grey water recycling, CCTV and lower utility bills (Mann, 2005). Despite the success, maintenance engineers in the building still find challenges in corrective maintenance. I have learned that engineers need to involve maintenance staff in the early stages of the project to avoid inheriting problems on which they were not partied.

I believe that when negative comments emerge from guests and residents, there will be a likelihood of high staff turnover and poor reputation of the hotel. 3. Ethical issues in the smart home system Sustainability in smart home systems is a critical area that involves ethics, supplier responsibility, environment and community (Mobbs, 2010). During installation of the systems, engineers have to demonstrate honesty, integrity, and culture of transparency. Moreover, all the stakeholders must be involved in creation and maintenance of transparent culture.

I think all the time, the engineers involved in design and installation of smart home automation systems should do the right thing and not because someone is behind their back supervising. I also believe that the engineers especially the lead engineer must be able to clearly articulate employee and client responsibilities, address conflicts of interest, demonstrate responsibility to vendors and customers, comply with laws and reporting. By adopting a Code of Conduct, engineers are able to uphold ethics and management systems, sound environmental practices, health and safety and standards for labor (Yamazaki, 2006).

Supplier responsibility intersects with environmental and social responsibility (Mobbs, 2010). Engineers are at the helm of creating better business and labor relationships, meeting customer expectations, and improving the quality of smart home technology. For example, suppliers can partner with client companies to provide tested, assembled and manufactured integrated circuits through multilayered approach and responsible procurement process (Intille, 2002). I believe engineers can develop business operations that are conducted ethically and environmentally responsible if suppliers are able to meet the high standards of product performance and liability.

I think that the working environment, rights and lives of people building electronic products should be of interest to lead engineers and contractors. Adopting a code of conduct affirms social responsibility in smart homes through a responsible supply chain. Australian Code of ethics mandates that suppliers observe best practices, meet internationally recognized standards, and conform to the regulations, rules and laws (Commonwealth of Australia, 2005). Engineers have a commitment to conservation by leading the way in recycling, water conservation and smart energy.

Mitigating the effects on environment is by shrinking the carbon footprint and reducing energy use (Intille, 2002). For example, using smart homes reduces power savings by 50 percent and annual reduction of 24 million tons of carbon dioxide globally (Intille, 2002). The State of Queensland (2005) provides that Smart Housing should incorporate design that lowers the impact of houses on the community and environment by conforming to sustainable ethics and principles. Honesty and genuine concern for communities must be practiced during listing of building products, electronic devices, domestic appliances and structural design elements (Green Media, 2005).

Engineers must choose to enabling adaptations, prolong the life of the house and minimize overall energy resource use. Over time, design and construction of houses need to meet the changing needs of a family. Genuine concern for the residents should be demonstrated on how occupants will move in house and safety from accidents (Hyde, 2012).

Read More