The importance of smart monitoring

June 8, 2026
Building and Grounds Risk

Key takeaways

Continuous monitoring reduces risk: IoT-enabled systems provide 24/7 visibility, helping organizations detect and respond to issues before they escalate.
Unoccupied buildings are vulnerable: Extreme weather and system failures can cause significant damage when facilities aren’t actively monitored.
Proactive investment saves money: Secondary protective layers help prevent costly repairs, extend equipment life and may even lower insurance costs.

In recent years, organizations have needed to rapidly change how they manage their buildings because of staffing shortages, rising costs and increasingly severe weather events. Educational institutions, in particular, are navigating these challenges while maintaining safe, functional environments for students and staff.

At the same time, technology has evolved. Sensors, automation systems and connected devices — commonly referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT) — are enabling a new approach: secondary protective layers that enhance visibility, improve response times and reduce risk.

These systems don’t replace people — they just make limited resources more effective.

The growing risk landscape

Today, schools are asking their facility teams to do more with less, and the risks reflect that reality:

Staffing constraints lead to increased overtime, multitasking and, in some cases, gaps in training — raising the likelihood of human error.
Deferred maintenance contributes to premature equipment failure and higher long-term costs.
Unoccupied buildings leave facilities vulnerable to undetected issues like leaks, system failures or environmental changes.

Add the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, such as polar vortex conditions, and the exposures multiply.

When buildings sit empty, risks can rise

A polar vortex — a mass of extremely cold air that can shift south into the U.S. — is a clear example of how quickly conditions can escalate. Prolonged freezing temperatures can:

Freeze and burst pipes, causing extensive water damage.
Overwork HVAC systems, leading to breakdowns.
Weaken roofs and structural components due to snow and ice buildup.

What makes these events particularly dangerous is timing. They often occur when buildings are unoccupied, which means issues can go unnoticed for hours or even days.

Without continuous monitoring, a small problem can quickly become a catastrophic loss.

Secondary protective layers: extending your eyes and ears

This is where IoT-enabled secondary protective layers come into play.

By combining sensors with building automation systems (BAS), organizations can achieve 24/7 monitoring of equipment, environmental conditions and critical infrastructure — even when no one is on-site.

These systems:

Track real-time data across building systems.
Trigger alerts when conditions exceed set thresholds.
Enable remote access and control.
Support faster, more informed decision-making.

Most importantly, they create a structured response framework, turning alerts into action.

Key technologies

Water sensors

Placed in high-risk areas like mechanical rooms, bathrooms and below-grade spaces, water sensors detect leaks early and send immediate alerts. Early intervention can prevent extensive and costly water damage.

Vibration sensors

Installed on HVAC systems, pumps and mechanical equipment, these sensors detect irregular performance patterns before full system failure occurs. When integrated with BAS, they can automatically trigger preventive maintenance workflows.

Air quality sensors

Beyond smoke and carbon monoxide detection, modern sensors monitor humidity, VOCs and airborne particulates — critical in buildings that may sit unoccupied for extended periods. Some systems can even detect vaping or THC use in certain environments.

Safety sensors

Increasingly used in educational settings, these sensors can identify gunshots, aggressive language or distress signals, enabling faster response to potential emergencies.

HVAC monitoring and remote access

Building automation systems allow designated personnel to monitor and adjust conditions remotely. If temperatures begin to drop toward freezing, staff can intervene immediately without needing to be physically present.

Smart alerts

Alerts are only effective if they drive action. Systems should be configured to:

Issue early warnings when conditions begin to trend negatively.
Escalate to emergency alerts when immediate action is required.
Notify staff via text, email or phone.

A well-defined response plan ensures alerts don’t go unnoticed or unaddressed.

Additional layers that make a difference

Secondary protection goes beyond sensors alone. Consider integrating:

Air dampeners that automatically regulate outside airflow and fail safely in a closed position.
Backup generator connections for HVAC systems to maintain heat during power outages.
Remote BAS monitoring to adjust conditions in real time.
Automated system responses, such as maintaining temperature setpoints during extreme weather.

These layers work together to reduce reliance on manual intervention, especially during high-risk, low-visibility periods.

Cost vs. consequence

Investing in secondary protective layers requires upfront cost but failing to invest can be far more expensive.

Potential losses without monitoring

Major water damage from burst pipes
Emergency HVAC replacement costs
Structural repairs from snow, ice or moisture damage
Operational disruption and downtime

Financial benefits of proactive systems

Loss prevention: Catch issues early before they escalate.
Reduced maintenance costs through predictive insights.
Improved staff efficiency, reducing overtime and strain.
Extended equipment life.

Insurance and incentives

Many insurers recognize the value of proactive risk management. Organizations that implement monitoring and sensor systems may benefit from:

Premium reductions.
Lower deductibles.
Risk engineering support or incentive programs.

In many cases, these savings help offset the initial investment.

A smarter way forward

Secondary protective layers don’t replace facilities teams — they support them.

By leveraging IoT devices, sensors and automation systems, organizations can:

Monitor buildings continuously, even when unoccupied.
Respond faster to emerging issues.
Reduce costly losses.
Improve overall resilience.

In today’s environment, where risks are higher and resources are tighter, a layered, technology-enabled approach to building protection isn’t just beneficial — it’s essential. The question isn’t whether these tools are worth considering — it’s whether organizations can afford not to use them.

More information to help you protect your buildings can be found here.

Q&A: Understanding smart monitoring

Q: What are “secondary protective layers”?
A: They are IoT-enabled systems, like sensors and automation tools, that provide continuous monitoring and early alerts to prevent building issues from escalating.

Q: Why are unoccupied buildings at higher risk?
A: Without people on-site, problems like leaks, freezing temperatures or equipment failures can go unnoticed for extended periods, increasing the potential for major damage.

Q: How do smart monitoring systems improve response times?
A: They send real-time alerts and allow remote access, enabling teams to act immediately instead of waiting for on-site discovery.

Q: Is the investment in these systems worth it?
A: Yes. While there is an upfront cost, these systems help prevent expensive repairs, reduce downtime, extend equipment life and may lower insurance premiums.