Air quality
Thanks to IoT, a vast network of sensor-equipped devices can collect accurate real-time data and assist in decision-making.
With increased connectivity and cellular networks offering extensive national and international coverage, it’s now possible to gather valuable information regarding air, water, and soil quality.
Improving air quality is a significant challenge in urban areas. Within cities, IoT can make a difference. For example, in London, the “Breathe London” monitoring project uses IoT sensors to measure and map air pollution in real-time.
In case of excessive carbon monoxide levels, it can automatically alert citizens on their smartphones and recommend avoiding outdoor activities. This precise data allows authorities to implement appropriate strategies, such as traffic restrictions or fines for companies emitting excessive levels of pollutants in the air or soil.
The air quality observatory in Île-de-France, Airparif, plays a similar role by measuring air quality in the capital using micro-sensors. The organization also conducts experiments to combat air pollution in the Paris metro system.
Smart waste management
The human population generates an enormous amount of waste. In 2020, France produced approximately 309 million tons of waste in total, which is about 4.6 tons per inhabitant. To address the management of these volumes, the company SigrenEa offers an innovative solution: equipping waste bins at voluntary drop-off points with NB-IoT technology to optimize waste management in real-time and reduce CO2 emissions. The company can then monitor the quality of waste sorting, measure the fill level of containers, and plan waste collection.
In Spain, the city of Barcelona has implemented a similar system: with IoT sensors, it is possible to track the amount of waste in bins and alert collection services when they are approaching their maximum capacity. This technology helps optimize collection routes and reduces fuel consumption.
Agriculture
Irrigation, lighting, cooling… Agriculture, one of the most energy-intensive sectors, has also adopted environmental monitoring through IoT. The goal? To improve crop yields while reducing the waste of resources like water and energy. IoT sensors enable farmers to monitor temperature, humidity, water quality, crop conditions, and soil health.
With this data, they can make better decisions about irrigation and measure the actual amount of water needed for their crops. They can also decide which products to apply based on soil conditions and prevent diseases. For example, the agricultural automation company Vegetal Signals installs sensors on vineyards to monitor the electrical signals of plants and thus limit the spread of downy mildew.
Endangered species
IoT can be used in the environmental field for the benefit of wildlife. By deploying IoT cameras in remote areas, it is possible to gather useful information such as the presence of potential hunters and protect endangered animals like elephants in Kenya.
In several national parks, rangers use IoT collars to monitor the health status of animals and detect unusual changes (heart rate, herd movements, etc.). This real-time data allows them to act quickly in dangerous situations.
Another example is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Sensors monitor vegetation, water quality, and sediment runoff. Combined with artificial intelligence, IoT analyzes this data to identify areas in need of restoration and, subsequently, to assess the success of interventions.
Connected buildings and homes
Thanks to connected devices, it is possible to monitor the amount of energy wasted by appliances (heating empty rooms, devices on standby…) and optimize consumption.
For example, the connected thermostats from Voltalis, which use 4G and LTE-M, can be linked to electric heating systems. Connected to each radiator or a heat pump, this solution allows users to control all devices via a mobile app and optimize their consumption. A true revolution, IoT helps save billions of kilowatt-hours of energy worldwide.
Early fire detection
Every year, fires destroy forests and cause physical harm to animals. With an IoT detection system, it is possible to get alerts when weather conditions are likely to cause a fire. Some solutions use LTE-M connected sensors to precisely geolocate wildfires and immediately alert the relevant authorities. The result: rapid and targeted intervention.
Wastewater management in the manufacturing sector
Objenious, your partner in realizing your IoT projects
Are you implementing IoT environmental monitoring solutions? At Objenious, Bouygues Telecom’s brand dedicated to IoT, we offer tailor-made support. We provide 4G, LTE-M, and NB-IoT, and since the end of 2022, we have ensured coverage for over 99% of the French population. We are also present in more than 126 countries! The result: guaranteed performance for your connected devices, even in rural areas. Contact our experts to be guided in your technological choice and discover our digital offers.