#103 - Is SMART Overused? Are We Smartwashing New Technology?

In this episode, Andy asks a specific question to frame this episode.

What is a Smart Controller?

Think about this question. 

It may seem obvious at first, but I want you to really think about it. What EXACTLY does it mean?

I ask this question because I think it is a grey area. I think we use the words Smart Irrigation or Smart Water, very loosely, which can cause confusion in the minds of consumers, and also in the minds of us, the industry.

What if I told you that you could buy a Smart Controller on Amazon for less than $100?

Would you tell me that it's not a smart controller?

This is why I'm asking you to think about this question.

My belief is that the phrase "Smart Controller" has become vague and that it has lost some of its meaning, and therefore we make up our own meaning for it.

Now that you've thought about it, I'm going to give you the exact answer.

This is according to the Irrigation Association's master guide, Irrigation 6th edition. There are over 1,000 pages in this book, it is the most detailed book on irrigation in the world.

"Smart" irrigation controllers ---- as defined by the Irrigation Association, are "controllers that reduce outdoor water use by monitoring and using information about site conditions (such as soil moisture, rain, wind, slope, soil, plant type, and more), and applying the right amount of water based on those factors" Page 557.

Crazy, right?

SMART is only a feature. A feature that allows a controller to automatically adjust for the site climate.

Is wifi Smart?

Is flow monitoring Smart?

Is Water Budgeting Smart?

Is Leak detection Smart?

Is automatically optimizing multi-zone operation to maintain a specific volume of water, SMART?

Why is SMART only 1 feature?

Could the phrase "Smart Controller" be washing the value away?

It reminds me of the term, Greenwashing.

Have you ever heard of the term greenwashing?

According to National Geographic, “Greenwashing” is a form of misinformation often used to entice an aspiring green consumer. Companies promising to be sustainable, biodegradable, or environmentally conscious sometimes fail to meet the promises they make to consumers."

Similarly, I think there is a false promise that a "Smart Controller" reduces water use.

They have the potential to reduce water use - but do they?

Is it possible that we are unintentionally using the word SMART to define other features and capabilities of a controller?