**7. Intelligent buildings**

An intelligent or smart building is one that uses technology and processes to create space that is safer and more productive for its occupants. In such a building, network of electronic devices monitor and control the mechanical and lighting systems to reduce energy and maintenance costs. Lighting is controlled by sensors, which can detect the presence of occupants and relative darkness and can modulate lights accordingly. To monitor the temperatures, sensors are placed in rooms and air ducts. Such buildings are provided with hot water systems for supplying heat to the air handling unit and chilled water systems for cooling its air and equipment with optimum level of temperature being maintained by sensors. Intelligent buildings also have alarm capabilities and alarms for reporting critical faults in mechanical and electrical systems.
