Green IoT Applications

Green IoT applications leverage energy-efficient and sustainable technologies to address critical challenges in various domains. By optimising resources, reducing energy consumption, and integrating renewable energy sources, these applications contribute to environmental sustainability while enhancing efficiency and performance. The list of selected Green IoT Applications and their features are discussed below (figure 1).

A smart grid is an energy distribution network integrating IoT technologies to monitor, manage, and optimise real-time electricity flow. Key features include:

1. Energy monitoring and management: IoT-enabled sensors and devices monitor electricity usage patterns, helping utilities optimise energy distribution and reduce wastage.
2. Demand-side management: Smart meters and IoT devices enable dynamic pricing and real-time feedback, encouraging consumers to use energy efficiently during off-peak hours.
3. Integration of renewable energy: IoT systems facilitate the seamless integration of renewable sources like solar and wind into the grid by managing variability and storage.
4. Fault detection and repair: IoT-based predictive maintenance systems detect and address network faults before they cause outages, saving energy and improving reliability.

IoT applications in agriculture, often called precision agriculture, improve resource utilisation and environmental sustainability. Examples include:

1. Soil and crop monitoring: IoT sensors measure soil moisture, nutrient levels, and crop health, enabling precise irrigation and fertilisation.
2. Smart irrigation systems: Automated irrigation systems use IoT data to water crops only when needed, reducing water and energy consumption.
3. Livestock monitoring: IoT-enabled collars and tags track the health and location of livestock, minimising resource use and ensuring timely intervention when needed.
4. Climate monitoring: Weather stations equipped with IoT devices help farmers predict environmental conditions and optimise planting and harvesting schedules.

Also known as Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing integrates IoT technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability in production processes:

1. Energy-efficient production: IoT sensors monitor machinery and processes, identifying areas where energy savings can be achieved.
2. Predictive maintenance: By analysing sensor data, IoT systems predict equipment failures and schedule maintenance to avoid energy-wasting breakdowns.
3. Resource optimisation: IoT-enabled systems track raw materials and energy use, reducing waste and ensuring sustainable resource management.
4. Flexible manufacturing: IoT facilitates dynamic adjustment of production lines based on real-time demand, minimising overproduction and associated energy costs.

Smart homes utilise IoT technologies to improve energy efficiency, comfort, and security:

• Energy-efficient appliances: IoT-enabled devices, such as smart thermostats, refrigerators, and lighting systems, optimise energy usage based on occupancy and usage patterns.
• Home automation: Systems like Alexa, Google Home, or Zigbee-based networks manage energy usage by turning off lights, appliances, and HVAC systems when not in use.
• Solar energy integration: Smart inverters and IoT monitoring systems enable homeowners to optimise the use of solar panels and battery storage.
• Energy monitoring: Real-time data from IoT sensors helps homeowners track and reduce energy consumption, lowering utility bills and carbon footprints.

IoT applications in transport focus on creating efficient, sustainable, and intelligent mobility systems:

1. Traffic management: IoT-enabled sensors and cameras monitor traffic in real-time, optimising traffic light systems and reducing congestion.
2. Smart public transport: IoT systems provide real-time information on bus and train schedules, encouraging the use of public transport and reducing emissions.
3. Fleet management: IoT technologies in logistics optimise routes, monitor vehicle health, and ensure efficient fuel use.
4. Electric vehicle (EV) ecosystems: IoT-enabled charging stations provide real-time availability updates and optimise energy use by balancing grid demand.

Smart cities integrate IoT solutions across various urban systems to improve sustainability and quality of life:

• Smart waste management: IoT sensors in bins monitor fill levels and optimise waste collection routes, reducing fuel usage and emissions.
• Energy-efficient buildings: IoT-enabled systems in commercial and residential buildings optimise energy use for lighting, heating, and cooling.
• Air quality monitoring: IoT devices track pollutants, providing actionable data to improve urban air quality.
• Public safety and infrastructure monitoring: IoT sensors monitor infrastructure health (e.g., bridges, roads) and enhance public safety through real-time alerts.
• Water management: IoT technologies optimise water distribution, detect leaks, and monitor quality, ensuring sustainable usage.

IoF integrates many of the applications mentioned above. It enables to track food manufacturing and ensure food quality and proper nutrition:

• Delivery chain tracking: ensures that food origin, processing and delivery channels are according to the records. This technology frequently uses RFIDs, QR codes and blockchain.
• Nutrition information enables consumers to select the best diet according to their needs carefully.
• Expire date active tracking: optimises food consumption on a global and local scale, lowering the amount of wasted food.
• Quality monitoring: relates to delivery chain tracking and provides a mechanism to track counterfeited food and simplify cases such as mass intoxication.

Green IoT applications represent a vital step toward achieving a sustainable future. By enabling more innovative resource use and reducing energy consumption across diverse domains, they address environmental concerns while improving functionality and efficiency.