An IoT-based smart home prototype: Enhancing energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainability education
Abstract
The rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT) has driven the emergence of smart home innovations that not only provide convenience but also contribute to energy efficiency and resource conservation. This study aims to develop an IoT-based smart home prototype using the ESP8266-12e module to control lights and solenoid valves that function as water faucets. The system operates in two modes: automatic mode, utilizing light-dependent resistors (LDRs) and ultrasonic sensors, and manual mode through a web-based control interface. The method in this study uses an experimental method consisting of a literature review, hardware and software design, implementation, and testing. The results show that the system functions reliably and remains stable within a Wi-Fi connection range of up to 21 meters. Furthermore, this prototype shows potential as a project-based learning medium in science and technology education, particularly in the context of sustainability education. By integrating the concepts of electricity and water conservation, this study contributes to increasing scientific literacy while supporting sustainable household practices.
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Tsybulsky, D., & Sinai, E. (2022). IoT in project-based biology learning: Students’ experiences and skill development. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 31(4), 542–553.
Zhong, C., & Nie, X. (2024). Feasibility of LoRa for smart home: Real time and coverage considerations. IEEE Internet of Things Journal, 11(14), 25213–25226
Balyk, N., Leshchuk, S., & Yatsenyak, D. (2023). Design and implementation of an IoT-based educational model for smart homes: A STEM approach. Journal of Edge Computing, 2(2), 148–162.
Chiradeja, P., & Yoomak, S. (2023). Development of public lighting system with smart lighting control systems and internet of thing (IoT) technologies for smart city. Energy Reports, 10, 3355–3372.
Dixit, A., Madhav, S., Mishra, R., Srivastav, A. L., & Garg, P. (2022). Impact of climate change on water resources, challenges and mitigation strategies to achieve sustainable development goals. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 15(14), 1296.
El Mezouari, A., El Fazziki, A., & Sadgal, M. (2022). Smart irrigation system. IFAC-PapersOnLine, 55(10), 3298–3303.
Elkholy, M. H., Senjyu, T., Lotfy, M. E., Elgarhy, A., Ali, N. S., & Gaafar, T. S. (2022). Design and implementation of a real-time smart home management system considering energy saving. Sustainability, 14(21), 13840.
Fakhar, M. Z., Yalcin, E., & Bilge, A. (2023). A survey of smart home energy conservation techniques. Expert Systems with Applications, 213, 118974.
González-Torres, M., Pérez-Lombard, L., Coronel, J. F., Maestre, I. R., & Paolo, B. (2022). Activity and efficiency trends for the residential sector across countries. Energy & Buildings, 273, 112428.
Kanso, H., Noureddine, A., & Exposito, E. (2024). An automated energy management framework for smart homes. Journal of Ambient Intelligence and Smart Environments, 16(1), 23–42.
Kim, H., Choi, H., Kang, H., An, J., Yeom, S., & Hong, T. (2021). A systematic review of the smart energy conservation system: From smart homes to sustainable smart cities. Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, 140, 110755.
Machorro-Cano, I., Alor-Hernández, G., Paredes-Valverde, M. A., Rodríguez-Mazahua, L., Sánchez-Cervantes, J. L., & Olmedo-Aguirre, J. O. (2020). HEMS-IoT: A Big Data and Machine Learning-Based Smart Home System for Energy Saving. Energies, 13(5), 1097. https://doi.org/10.3390/en13051097
Meylani, R. (2024). Transforming education with the Internet of Things: A journey into smarter learning environments. International Journal of Research in Education and Science, 10(1), 161–178. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijres.3362
Mujoo, S., Sharma, A., Gaikwad, K., Madhe, S., Sista, S., & Khatape, M. (2021, August). Smart irrigation system using IoT based control valve. In 2021 Asian Conference on Innovation in Technology (ASIANCON) (pp. 1–5). IEEE.
Nsoh, B., Katimbo, A., Guo, H., Heeren, D. M., Nakabuye, H. N., Qiao, X., & Kiraga, S. (2024). Internet of things-based automated solutions utilizing machine learning for smart and real-time irrigation management: A review. Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 24(23), 7480.
Ntafalias, A., Papadopoulos, P., Ramallo-González, A. P., Skarmeta-Gómez, A. F., Sánchez-Valverde, J., Vlachou, M. C., & Wright, S. (2024). Smart buildings with legacy equipment: A case study on energy savings and cost reduction through an IoT platform in Ireland and Greece. Results in Engineering, 22, 102095.
Obaideen, K., Yousef, B. A., AlMallahi, M. N., Tan, Y. C., Mahmoud, M., Jaber, H., & Ramadan, M. (2022). An overview of smart irrigation systems using IoT. Energy Nexus, 7, 100124.
Pagano, A., Garlisi, D., Tinnirello, I., Giuliano, F., Garbo, G., Falco, M., & Cuomo, F. (2025). A survey on massive IoT for water distribution systems: Challenges, simulation tools, and guidelines for large-scale deployment. Ad Hoc Networks, 168, 103714.
Poyyamozhi, M., Murugesan, B., Rajamanickam, N., Shorfuzzaman, M., & Aboelmagd, Y. (2024). IoT — A promising solution to energy management in smart buildings: A systematic review, applications, barriers, and future scope. Buildings, 14(11), 3446.
Rao, C. K., Sahoo, S. K., & Yanine, F. F. (2025). Implementation of real-time optimal load scheduling for IoT-based intelligent smart energy management system using new decisive algorithm. Journal of Electrical Systems and Information Technology, 12(1), 6.
Singh, S., Aggarwal, N., Prince, & Dabas, D. (2025). Empowering homes through energy efficiency: A comprehensive review of smart home systems and devices. International Journal of Energy Sector Management, 19(4), 887–912. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJESM-04-2024-0054
Somefun, T. E., Abdulkareem, A., Awosope, C. O., & Akanji, O. (2022). Smart home comfort and energy conservation using internet of things. TELKOMNIKA (Telecommunication Computing Electronics and Control), 20(2), 357–365.
Taiwo, O., & Ezugwu, A. E. (2021). Internet of things-based intelligent smart home control system. Security and Communication Networks, 2021, 9928254.
Tsybulsky, D., & Sinai, E. (2022). IoT in project-based biology learning: Students’ experiences and skill development. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 31(4), 542–553.
Zhong, C., & Nie, X. (2024). Feasibility of LoRa for smart home: Real time and coverage considerations. IEEE Internet of Things Journal, 11(14), 25213–25226
Authors
Arasid, W., Zakaria, D., & Abdullah, C. U. (2025). An IoT-based smart home prototype: Enhancing energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainability education. Journal of Environment and Sustainability Education, 3(3), 454–463. https://doi.org/10.62672/joease.v3i3.148
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