Energy efficient buildings

June 2008 Integrated Solutions

It has been verified that energy efficient buildings do not only save you money, but also provide an environment that promotes dramatically improved human productivity and performance.

A recent study in the US revealed that students with more daylight in the lecture room performed 20% better in mathematics and 26% better in reading comprehension than those in uncomfortable classrooms with limited or no daylight. That said, not every room can have daylight, but the study also indicated that improving the environmental conditions and making it more interesting too, had significant impacts on human performance.

Preparing your environment

Through efficient use of natural resources, a more profitable, productive and 'power-friendly' environment can be created.

However, it is not just about installing windows in classrooms and offices. To be able to address energy efficiency holistically, organisations need to adopt a strategy that explores all aspects of their energy consumption. Enter automated building management solutions. Automating energy consumption through a centralised energy efficiency solution that is able to intelligently monitor and control environmental conditions, removes the need for arduous manual execution.

Looking merely at relying on somebody to switch off the lights after everyone has left the room is not going to do the trick. To err is human. Alternatively, cobbling together a system of disparate solutions that do not provide an overall view of what is being conserved, will never give the user a clear idea of how much is being improved on the bottom line.

Making the commitment

When one takes the first step and commits, through understanding the impact and opportunity energy efficiency has on a business, it becomes the cheapest and cleanest way to extend the energy supply.

Heating and cooling systems usually operate extremely inefficiently and the excess energy can often be channelled for use in other areas. For example, a system that can automatically manage HVAC and lighting, heating of geysers and possibly even the heating of the campus swimming pool with optimum energy consumption, screams efficiency. Designing buildings to produce better natural daylight is another example of improving the environment, while minimising the demand for electricity. Furthermore, managing lighting on a time-scheduled and motion basis will promote additional efficiency.

It has been proven that through the inclusion of energy and power management, HVAC, lighting and even CCTV and access control systems, in an integrated building solution, businesses can yield up to 50% in energy savings. Translated into rands and cents, that is big money on the bottom line, and it is money that can be used elsewhere for improved services and upgrades.

One such project is the GreenPoint Stadium. The consulting company adopted an intelligent approach to its systems and with partners we are assisting in developing and deploying an integrated building management solution, which will dramatically improve the stadium's energy demand.

Once the commitment has been made, the sky is the limit. Technology should be used as an enabler, allowing supply and demand to be automated by making better use of HVAC, lighting and security (through software integration) to directly improve efficiencies.

It is, however, not just about energy efficiency. Businesses and institutions have a responsibility to their customers, employees, students and stakeholders to provide better services at the optimum operating costs, while continually looking for ways to improve.

Deploying a building management system that is based on open, IT-friendly standards promotes integration between environmental saving factors as well as security and facilities management. Going green is a business decision that can save companies millions in the long run, and the long-term gains far outweigh the initial installation costs.

For more information contact Schneider Electric South Africa, +27 (0)11 254 6400, buildings@schneider.co.za, www.schneider-electric.co.za





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Convergence of cyber and physical security
Integrated Solutions Security Services & Risk Management
The overlap between cybersecurity and physical security will necessitate the integration of cyber and physical security in order to enable the sharing of events to the same security operations centre.

Read more...
Success in business process best practices
Technews Publishing Kleyn Change Management Editor's Choice Integrated Solutions Security Services & Risk Management
This month we commandeer time with the woman who is spearheading our national conversation on Women in Security, Lesley-Anne Kleyn, to get to know the lady herself a little better.

Read more...
Unlock seamless security with integrated products
Secutel Technologies Integrated Solutions Products
By combining SecuVue and Secutraq, Secutel has created a system that enables users to configure analytics, facial recognition, pose detection, and XFS among other security triggers modern service providers require.

Read more...
Integrated guarding services
XtraVision Integrated Solutions Access Control & Identity Management Industrial (Industry)
XtraVision offers a few tips on how to go about planning and setting up an integrated approach to sustainable and successful security services, from the initial risk assessment to the technology and people required.

Read more...
Paxton secures multi-tenant office in Cape Town
Paxton Integrated Solutions Access Control & Identity Management Products
Cecilia Square in Paarl, Cape Town is an office building from where several businesses operate. The multi-tenant site has recently undergone a full refurbishment, including a complete upgrade of its security system for access control.

Read more...
Bi-directional integration of Gallagher and Qognify
Gallagher Integrated Solutions Products
In a world of converging technology ecosystems, siloed solutions are no longer viable; this applies in particular to physical security, where only combined information enables a comprehensive assessment of a situation and a timely response.

Read more...
Qognify integrates with Johnson Controls Security Products
Integrated Solutions News Products
The integration of Qognify VMS and Kantech EntraPass enables users to better understand situations based on the synchronisation of event and video data, allowing a faster and more targeted response to event-based scenarios.

Read more...
Complex, but critical partner in security
Technews Publishing Bidvest Protea Coin Editor's Choice Integrated Solutions IT infrastructure Mining (Industry)
Smart Security looks at how drones can be applied effectively in mine security operations. The ability to quickly gain a birds-eye view of a situation, whether security, safety or operational in nature, makes drones a significant value-add to mines.

Read more...
Enhancing surveillance on mines
Avigilon Technews Publishing Axis Communications SA Forbatt SA Hikvision South Africa Bosch Building Technologies Editor's Choice CCTV, Surveillance & Remote Monitoring Integrated Solutions Mining (Industry)
Smart Security approached a number of surveillance vendors to find out what the latest in surveillance technology is that can make a difference to security operations in mines, as well as general operations.

Read more...
Surveillance to improve worker safety
Axis Communications SA Mining (Industry) CCTV, Surveillance & Remote Monitoring Integrated Solutions
With substantial deposits of mineral resources, mining is critical for South Africa’s economic growth and prosperity; however, mining can be dangerous, especially for the people working on the ground and in the shafts.

Read more...