Building Smarter Spaces with Power over Ethernet (PoE)

Commercial buildings are evolving, and technology is at the forefront of that change. One innovation making a real impact is Power over Ethernet, or PoE. Unlike traditional wiring, PoE allows a single Ethernet cable to carry both power and data. This means it can run things like smart lighting, security cameras, interactive displays, environmental sensors, and USB-C charging stations – all through one line. By combining energy delivery with digital connectivity, PoE has the potential to make buildings not only more efficient and sustainable, but also smarter and safer, giving building occupants greater control over their spaces—a key advancement in smart building technology and modern commercial construction.

At HITT, we’ve been exploring how PoE can transform spaces. Two years ago, our Raleigh, North Carolina office became a small-scale test case. PoE was implemented to power office lighting alongside phone and data lines, giving our team a first look at how it can optimize energy use, simplify installation, and improve user experience. That pilot confirmed what we’d hoped — PoE isn’t just a new way to deliver power; it’s a smarter, safer, more adaptable approach to building design.

We took testing further at our research and development hub, Co|Lab, where a digital ceiling infrastructure mock-up, built in partnership with Vision Technologies, simulated real-world building systems. Our teams tested lighting control, workstation power distribution, and centralized monitoring, helping them understand how PoE can streamline construction, reduce energy loss, and enhance occupant comfort before applying it to larger projects.

PoE has also been integrated into recent client projects. At The Wharf in Washington, DC, our team brought a client’s trophy-class office vision to life, implementing extensive MEP work and low-voltage systems, including PoE integration for lighting, branding, and furniture power. Every detail was coordinated for seamless performance and sustainability, putting the space on track to achieve LEED Gold certification.

Now, we’re implementing PoE on our largest scale yet. At our new headquarters, under construction in Northern Virginia, PoE will deliver power to the entire building, from lighting to laptops, monitors, and sit-stand desks, all powered through USB-C outlets. This will eliminate traditional outlets at desks, and high-voltage electrical closets will be replaced with IT server racks, making installation safer and maintenance simpler.

The design builds directly on lessons learned in Raleigh and at Co|Lab. The building will function as a fully connected ecosystem, with centralized controls allowing real-time monitoring of energy use and easy adjustments of lighting, temperature, and window shades.

HITT Co-President Drew Mucci and Vision Technologies Vice President of Solution Architecture Jon Fine recently shared how PoE is reshaping the way buildings are designed and managed. By combining power and data in a single low-voltage cable, construction teams can eliminate bulky high-voltage wiring, reduce installation time, and create spaces that are adaptable to changing needs. Low-voltage power also reduces the risk of electric shock, overheating, and fire, enhancing safety for construction crews and building occupants alike. Centralized, software-controlled systems allow for easier management and monitoring, minimizing direct exposure to electrical components.

PoE also supports sustainable construction goals. By delivering power as direct current (DC) rather than alternating current (AC), energy loss is minimized, and buildings can see up to 20% savings on energy costs. Centralized, software-controlled systems make it easy to track and optimize energy consumption, reduce material use, and adapt spaces as technology evolves. It’s an approach that aligns with decarbonization, smarter load management, and future-ready design.

From our office pilot in Raleigh to Co|Lab testing, client projects, and now at our new headquarters, PoE is helping us create smarter, safer, and more sustainable spaces. At HITT, we’re proud to lead the way in turning this innovative technology into real-world progress in commercial construction and design.

Learn more about how HITT is igniting progress here.