It basically relies on the same principles of innovation that we have seen in IT and nearly every other industry in recent years. Open, interoperable and extendable platforms allowing connectivity and communication between building systems, security systems and IT systems with value added applications that help us improve building performance, drive down energy consumption, and reduce the operating costs of building. As we have seen in all other industries that have been transformed by the power of technology, after providing the open connectivity and communication the unimaginable becomes imaginable, and the sky is the limit. We simply haven’t seen anything yet and smart building technology is actually becoming, well, smart at long last.

Will buildings be operated by professional operators in overseas countries? Do we even need fancy central operating centers, or will an iPhone do? Is the Internet (Google maybe?) going to predict how my buildings should perform and automatically adjust its parameters off the cuff? Will the tenant or building user know exactly how much energy is consumed and what an individual contributes to the organization’s carbon footprint? Will we finally see the necessary reduction of energy consumption in buildings reach 30, 40, 50 percent or maybe more? Can we imagine that building users can personalize their space by using a phone or personal laptop? And so forth. And the answer to all these questions is a big ‘yes’.

So, now we’re taking building ‘automation’ to the next level, but I don’t think we should be totally satisfied. Not quite yet anyway. After all, it’s not building ‘automation’ the UK needs, but total building ‘transformation’ that we should be searching for. How is the technology going to impact  on how we perceive and use our homes and commercial properties? It’s about the ability to create and deliver new services and business models to those that own, operate and occupy our buildings. We now have the ability to design and use our buildings as if it were an iPhone. Highly aesthetic, combining form and function of the highest standards, while providing a platform over which new and exciting services can be delivered. Smart and connected buildings provide us with ways to program and configure spaces differently, in order to meet the ever changing requirements and demands of its users.

Examples of what this may mean to buildings are all around us. With social networking becoming the fastest growing (and largest) source of internet traffic today, and the increasing popularity of tweets, blogs and video posts, it won’t be much of a surprise that the way we work, live, learn and play has permanently evolved. Our next generation tenants and employees will not accept working in stuffy call centre cubicles. Collaboration and communication has been re-defined, and video and mobility are some of the key driving factors. Why do I need a workspace if I can appear virtually at any location? Why do we need a spacious lobby area (on every floor of a commercial office tower) outfitted with expensive fixtures and fittings, if we can bring hosted services over a HD video and still provide a sort of life-like experience? If mobility is everywhere, will the boundaries of our physical office environments blur? Can I work from home, on a business trip or from the coffee shop? How is this going to impact how we provide for office space?

Have you paid attention lately to how your children use communication devices to maintain their friendships, do their homework and find entertainment? (SMS, phone, email, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube). This is what HR departments and business leaders should be paying attention to. This is the audience they will need to attract in say 10 years or so. The definition of ‘workplace’ is changing and new workers are expecting change. These changes will have an impact on our buildings and communities. Flexibility, connectivity, communications and interoperability will be key to these trends. And the IP network will be the architectural platform that enables all of this to happen.

All that said, it is also true that we need to walk before we can run. We need to focus on the low hanging fruit and address the basic decisions that need to be made every day for new construction, retrofit and upgrade projects. Through our work with Integrators in the field we have found it useful to group system decisions into categories such as essential systems, ROI-based systems and brand or experience systems.

• Essential: Look at the essential system’s controls and ensure they are the latest version offered by the manufacturer and insist on open protocols a la KNX. This provides the most flexibility for future enhancements, expansion and interoperability. Additionally, make use of the IT backbone infrastructure to connect the system’s controllers to their management servers. This will provide greater reliability inside the building and more importantly increased security for systems that offer remote access, not to mention elimination of unnecessary overlap of conduit, cabling, switching and other components. Modern, open systems built around a backbone infrastructure cost no more than the traditional silo approach.
• Return on Investment: Evaluate the growing number of systems that might not be considered essential but can offer a compelling return on investment such as intelligent lighting, daylight harvesting, demand response, fault detection, integrated parking and others. This category makes use of the latest technologies and offers significant financial and operational efficiencies.
• Experience: Experience or brand support systems can be very important but are more discretionary in nature and might include digital signage for messaging, way finding and multi-media, ambient music, selected wireless services, accent lighting etc.

Now the basic technologies and infrastructure are in place for lower Capital Expenditure and Operating Costs (helping us all to save money in operations and energy), it’s time to explore the unexplored. Let the total transformation of the UK’s buildings begin I say!

The 5.7” TFT touch display enables intuitive navigation and provides an overview of the status of the entire building technology. With the colour display, functions such as switching, dimming and blind control can be executed, light scenes can be saved and called up, and a variety of bus functions can be linked with ease. The user menu is freely definable and can be individually structured.

Functionality

• Maximum of 50 pages with a maximum of 8 operating and display elements or 25 pages with a maximum of 16 operating and display elements
• Background images (jpg, bmp)
• Switching status can be shown with a symbol
• Freely programmable user menus
• Password protection
• Switching, dimming, blind and the display of measured values can be configured
• Light scene function with auxiliary unit operation
• Saving and calling up of 24 light scenes with up to 32 outputs (1 bit or 1 byte)
• Limit-value calculation
• Alarm function via pop-up functions or via acoustic signal
• Internal real-time clock for time functions
• 16-channel time-switch function (weekly program)
• Extensive logic functions, e.g. timers, multiplexers and logic gates

Planning

The Gira InfoTerminal Touch is configured via a configuration software integrated in the ETS. A preview function provides assistance here. The page layout is freely definable. Operating and display elements can be positioned anywhere on the display. Configuration is carried out via the USB interface accessible from the front, or when making changes in the configuration via the KNX/EIB.

Installation

Gira InfoTerminal Touch can be installed either horizontally or vertically. The desired type of installation must be set at the start of configuration.

Technical data

• Dimensions (W x H x D): approx. 228 x 146 x 8 mm
• Illuminated touch display, size: 5,7”, with a resolution of: 320 x 240 pixels
• Power supply: AC 230 V, 50 to 60 Hz
• Connections: power supply (L, N) via screw terminals up to 2.0 mm, Instabus via connection and branch terminals
• Ambient temperature: -5 °C to +45 °C
• Protection type: IP 20

Product assortment

• Black glass/aluminium = Order No. N 2071 05
• Mint glass/aluminium = Order No. N 2071 18
• White glass/aluminium = Order No. 2071 12
• Flush-mounted installation housing for the installation of the Giro Info Terminal Touch = Order No. 0639 00
• Subject to technical modifications.

About Gira

Gira places great value on product design. Through intensive cooperation with external and in-house design teams, Gira develop products, which are repeatedly recognized for their exceptional and simple design.

The modern electrical installation from Gira offers a broad range of intelligent building technology for convenience and security. Devices for networking home technology, music control for all rooms and comprehensive switch ranges, plus numerous functions for door communication, energy and light outdoors – and it all fits together. All functions and devices can be easily combined, and the uniform design lines always offer the right cover frame for every purpose.

GiraShop.co.uk supplies the complete range of products that are currently available in the English language catalogue.

Get in the comfort zone

WindowMaster, Europe’s largest provider of natural comfort and smoke ventilation solutions, has launched an innovative new indoor climate solution for small and medium-sized buildings. Called NV Comfort™ their new control system enables an optimal indoor climate through consistent pure natural ventilation. At the same time it can save enough energy to significantly reduce CO2 emissions.

The programmable and intelligent system automatically ensures that a window is in the position that will create and maintain the desired internal air temperature and closes the window automatically if it starts to rain or the wind blows too heavily. NV Comfort™ is well suited for new buildings and renovations for small and medium sized buildings such as schools, offices, healthcare facilities, hotels, exhibition buildings, sports centres and other buildings where there is focus on reducing CO2 emissions.

International research shows increased productivity and learning capacity of up to 15 per cent with the right indoor climate. Natural ventilation prevents headaches, fatigue, irritated eyes and concentration difficulties. Since people spend up to 90 per cent of their time indoors, internal air quality is very important. Because 40 per cent of energy consumption in Western Europe is used in buildings, there is renewed focus on indoor climate solutions that consume minimal electricity and thus emit less CO2. An indoor climate solution with NV Comfort™ can provide that.

NV Comfort™ is based on WindowMaster’s established NV Advance™ system for management of natural ventilation in larger projects, such as schools and offices. Like the NV Advance™ control system NV Comfort™ regulates and adjusts internal air quality using an intelligent, computer-controlled system that harnesses the natural forces created by temperature differences outside and inside the building and by the effect of wind around the building. It has fewer features than NV Advance™ and is therefore ideal for smaller projects with a limited number of zones.

NV Comfort™ controls façade and roof windows so that they automatically open and close by incremental amounts on the basis of individual fixed values for the desired room temperature and CO2 levels, as well as measurements of external temperature, rain and wind speed. Setting the desired room temperature and CO2 levels can be done individually for each room from one central location in the building via the NV Comfort™ touch screen.

Patented MotorLink™ technology enables the NV Comfort™ system to register the opening distance of each window as well as quietly opening and closing them. Safety has been a focus as well. The windows will stop and open again if they meet an obstacle during the closing cycle. NV Comfort™ intelligently monitors windows to prevent entrapment as an integrated function of the motor and control system. It can significantly reduce the risk of possible injury while windows are closing.

If an object becomes trapped in a window and prevents it from closing the amount of current drawn by the motor instantly increases. This is detected by the micro-processor, which immediately reverses the motor to release the window, therefore reducing the possibility of serious injury. The system can be retrofitted on many existing windows as well as being installed on new buildings. It can operate on a broad range of window types, including top and bottom opening, sliding and parallel opening. The system can also be used on windows for heat and smoke ventilation.

Richard Arnott, UK and Ireland market manager for WindowMaster, says:

“It is always pleasant to have fresh air coming in through the window. But it can be inconvenient having to adjust the window constantly to maintain the desired temperature or to keep out wind and rain. WindowMaster’s compact and intelligent new system automatically ensures that windows are in the required position to provide the optimal internal air temperature and air quality and it always remembers to close the window if it starts to rain or the wind blows too heavily.”

What is KNX?

KNX is the worldwide standard for home and building automation. In order to transfer control data to all building management components, a system is required that does away with the problems of isolated devices, by ensuring that all components communicate via one common language – in other words, a system such as the manufacturer and application domains independent KNX Bus.

The KNX standard is based upon more than 15 years of experience in the market, amongst others with its predecessor systems EIB, EHS and BatiBUS. Via the KNX medium to which all bus devices are connected (twisted pair, radio frequency, power line or IP/Ethernet), they are able to exchange information/data. Bus devices can either be sensors or actuators needed for the control of building management equipment such as: lighting, blinds/shutters, security systems, energy management, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, signaling and monitoring systems, interfaces to service and building control systems, remote control, metering, audio/video control, white goods, etc. All these functions can be controlled, monitored and signaled via a uniformed system without the need for any extra control centers.

Why should you choose KNX?

By choosing the KNX standard as the backbone for your control solution, you open up a world of opportunities.  Some of the most highly respected electrical manufacturers in the world are involved with the international KNX standard, meaning the choice and quality of products that the KNX portfolio offers is unmatched. And by becoming skilled in one standard, you are able to offer your clients a whole spectrum of control solutions exceeding their expectations.

The KNX standard can be used across a range of control applications including:

• Lighting
• HVAC
• Intruder alarms
• Audio visual systems
• Household appliances
• Blinds/solar control
• Façade management
• Automatic window control
• Energy management and control
• Metering
• Monitoring applications

Because KNX covers such a diversity of applications using one standard, it means your cabling network can be much simpler.  A single twisted pair cable can often suffice, with multiple elements operating together on a single network. KNX controlled devices are generally based around the standard green KNX/EIB bus cable (i.e. twisted pair) but can be run across the following media:

• Radio Bus (wireless)
• Ethernet (structured cabling)
• Fibre Optic
• Occasionally power line

A number of manufacturers have also developed ‘gateways’ to other control protocols, such as DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Intelligence).  These simple devices are used to expand the capability of KNX control systems to provide the complete solution for your building.  KNX has also worked closely with management-level protocols such as BACnet to enable a close cooperation between these two standards when the project requires additional integration.

Specifiers and end users are increasingly heralding KNX as the open solution for any building control application.  The drawbacks of proprietary solutions or various hardware-based controls are being increasingly recognized.  What maintains KNX’s superiority is that every KNX-compliant piece of equipment has been fully tested and certified to this highly stringent standard by an independent regulatory body.  It is only at this point that it can carry the KNX logo, as controlled by the international KNX Association of Brussels.  So you can have total confidence in reliability and interoperability, whatever KNX devices or system you choose

Advantages of KNX

• KNX is an International Standard, therefore future proof – ISO/EIC, CENELEC, CEN, SAC, ANSI/ASHRAE
• By product certification, KNX guarantees Interoperability & Interworking of products. The KNX certification process ensures that different products of different manufactures used in different applications operate and communicate with each other.
• KNX stands for high product quality. KNX Association requires a high level of production and quality control during all stages of the product life. Therefore all manufacturing members have to show compliance to ISO 9001 before they even can apply for a KNX product certification.
• A unique manufacturer independent Engineering Tool Software ETS® – The PC software tool ETS allows the planning, engineering, and configuration of all KNX certified products.
• KNX can be used for all applications in home and building control.
• KNX is fit for use in different kind of buildings and can be used in both new as well as existing buildings.
• KNX supports different configuration modes and offers different ‘step-in’ levels for the realization of KNX projects. Via KNX E-Mode (Easy Installation), non-KNX qualified electrical contractors are addressed. Via S-Mode (System Installation), KNX trained contractors/integrators are able to realize sophisticated installations.
• KNX supports several communication media – Twisted Pair, Power Line, Radio frequency, IP/Ethernet.
• KNX can be coupled to other systems. Several KNX manufacturers offer gateways to other networks, i.e. to other building automation systems, telephone networks, multimedia networks, IP networks, etc

KNX Projects in 80 Countries World Wide

What’s the next step?

With Ivory Egg there’s a few ways of getting yourself and your business in a position to benefit from the growing KNX market.  We can offer a selection of training courses and books that will help set you on your way.

Training Courses

Ivory Egg can provide 3 levels of training to suit the needs of you and/or your business:

1. Introduction to KNX
A 2-day course that’s intended to be a starting point for those not able to commit to the full KNX Certification course and for any additional staff involved in selling/specifying of KNX. The course includes some practical programming.

2. KNX Certification
This course certifies the individual and the business and gets you listed as an official KNX ‘partner’ on the www.knx.org website. The aim is to give engineers who will be commissioning systems practical knowledge of the commissioning tool, it gives a thorough grounding on the principals with a lot of practical work included.

3. Customised
We can also provide direct one to one or customised training via the KNX Consultants.

Books

The best and only book we would recommend has been written by the KNX association themselves.  The KNX Silver Bible is the definitive handbook, providing an introducing to the KNX system and common applications.  It addresses beginners as well as professionals who already have a basic knowledge of home and building control based on KNX, and is available to order from the KNXShop.co.uk.

Forum

If you have a specific KNX query, then the Ivory Egg forum is also a good source of support, as all the key manufacturers’ and integrators’ keep a close eye on this.

Mentoring

If you’re not too keen to jump in yourself and do it all on your first project, then an alternative may be to employ a certified engineer to help you. They could do all the design work and commissioning or just help you as and when you need it. There are a number of consultants who can help you with this depending on your needs and where you’re based.  Please contact us on 01243 572 700 and we’ll put you in touch with the most appropriate person for you and the specific project.

Further Information

If you still want to find out more about KNX, then there’s a growing network of integrators who have joined KNX UK to share their experiences, help promote the KNX standard within the UK and to benefit from the networking and promotional output of the organization.  Read more about this proactive UK-based organization at knxuk.org.

To find out more technical detail on the standard itself, visit the pages of the international KNX Association of Brussels web site at knx.org.

There are now over 150 manufacturers of KNX products, all of the key ones are supplied via knxshop.co.uk.  Here are a few links to some of the key manufacturers websites where you’ll find specific information about their KNX certified product ranges:

• Gira and www.girashop.co.uk
• Merten and www.mertenshop.co.uk
• Basalte
• Zennio
• Theben
• Siemens
• Jung
• ABB
• Berker
• Altenburger
• Arcus

The new Busch-ComfortTouch panel from ABB offers the total sophistication of intelligent building control in an easy-to-use, one touch display. Suitable for hotels, residential and commercial properties, it combines state-of-the-art control with exciting new energy efficiency and security features, providing users with full control of all living areas and building functions from a single location.

The ComfortTouch panel gives users a single point of control for a range of functions including lighting, security, temperature and humidity. An intuitive colour coding system that distinguishes different aspects of the building – yellow for light, amber for heating, blue for blinds, orange for climate control and purple for living scenarios – makes the system easier to use for those with little or no experience.

The control panel allows users to operate or dim the lights, adjust blinds, regulate the room temperature or create scenes from a combination of the functions listed. For further ease of use, all functions can be controlled remotely where there is line-of-sight between the panel and the remote control pad.

Another key feature is the panel’s energy monitoring function. The Busch-ComfortTouch panel provides access to energy consumption data, enabling property owners to monitor and reduce energy use by identifying areas for improved lighting efficiency, energy consumption and security.

The security function makes it possible to simulate presence within buildings, applying realistic living patterns even when nobody is there. The security system is designed to detect when doors or windows have been left unlocked and can even detect breakages. Once an alarm has been raised, an alert is sent to the user’s mobile phone informing them of the problem. The panel can also be linked to external monitoring systems, such as surveillance cameras, to monitor and record parts of a building directly from the touch panel.

With a built in MP3 player, The Busch-ComfortTouch makes it possible to create audio files or play films. Users can monitor the weather, look at the latest traffic reports, track up-to-date news, access their e-mails and even use the panel as an alarm clock. The panel can also be used to leave voice or written messages for other users to view.

The Busch-ComfortTouch is available in a black or cream coloured, high quality polished finish. Users can customise the screen colours to suit their own personal preferences. Once installed the touch panel will work in tandem with ABB’s KNX intelligent installation system as a source of control within a building. The number of control functions available through the ComfortTouch is up to the individual to decide when they are installing the system.

To find out more, please visit the knxshop.co.uk or ABB.co.uk.

You might think there’s nothing exciting about another range of switches, well you’d probably be right, and most of the time I wouldn’t argue with you.  Most of the big European manufactures seem to think ‘sheds’ and shun aesthetics whenever they start a new round of development.  Mind you, I also have to hold my hands up and admit that I have some ‘classic’ polished chrome dimmer switches in my home and they were recently criticized by a colleague when he spotted them in the background during a ‘Skype’ meeting.  ‘They came with the house’ was my defence, but he was right and at some point I must replace the big shiny DIY store monstrosities!  It’s funny how I’m involved with delivering Smart Home Technology into other people’s homes, but never get around to my own…

Anyway, the German system supplier Gira has a switch range that is a little special and you can actually get a little excited about it (well I did anyway).  It’s special because the Gira E22 range can be mounted flat on the wall and the product range is available with the full depth of functions.  To the majority of architects the switch on the wall is more of a necessary evil than the subtle under stated smart home design statement they’re looking for.  Especially when it’s big and shiny, sticks out like a sore thumb and generally spoils the overall impression of the room.  But all this is not necessary.  The E22 is a range of switches that can be mounted flat on the wall – the switch cover frames and inserts extend just 3mm above the surface and has an overall elegant, high-quality appearance with a very precise shape.  And the flat design is supported by a vertical switch toggle, which does not break through the flush surface.

The Gira E22 also offers another special feature – the switch range is available in three different materials – stainless steel, aluminum and thermoplastic in pure white glossy finish.  So Architects can open themselves to the fascinating possibility of completely equipping a smart building with one and the same switch range, not as easy as it sounds with many of the competitors.

In addition to the visual design and the large number of different installation options, this switch range convinces in all three material versions with the full depth of its assortment, which consists of more than 200 functions for modern smart building management.  These include push button sensors for controlling the KNX/EIB Instabus, the home stations of the Gira door communication system, the Gira flush-mounted radio, the Gira radio weather station and a comprehensive range of LED orientation lights, which can also be integrated into the new switch range.  With them attractive lighting accents can be produced, however they can also be used quite pragmatically for increased safety and information in buildings when they are expanded with illuminated information signs.  An extensive selection of pictograms is also available for Gira E22 range, which are lasered out of the stainless steel and aluminum finishes.

I really need to get around to updating my own home, embrace smart home technology, and I will definitely be going for a full selection from the E22 range!

About Gira

Gira places great value on product design. Through intensive cooperation with external and in-house design teams, Gira develop products, which are repeatedly recognized for their exceptional and simple design.

The modern electrical installation from Gira offers a broad range of intelligent building technology for convenience and security. Devices for networking home technology, music control for all rooms and comprehensive switch ranges, plus numerous functions for door communication, energy and light outdoors – and it all fits together. All functions and devices can be easily combined, and the uniform design lines always offer the right cover frame for every purpose.

GiraShop.co.uk supplies the complete range of products that are currently available in the English language catalogue.

Well one option is the Energy DataStream by Synetica – An Internet connected device that enables you to collect, store and transmit data for total energy management.  Built in Ethernet and optional Wi-Fi connectivity provide you with high speed, real time access to meter data via the Internet or corporate IT network with the benefit of no ongoing communication charges.  For remote sites, a GSM/GPRS option is also available.  Powered by a high speed ARM® processor the Energy DataStream has the capacity to acquire, process, record, present and stream data from multiple energy meters and environmental sensors.

Energy Metering

The Energy DataStream has 8-meter pulse inputs for direct connection to energy meters.  Energy consumption is recorded at selectable intervals, typically 1/2 hourly.  This data is then stored on the DataStream and automatically sent to a central server, such as a Monitoring and Targeting package or a spreadsheet such as Microsoft® Excel® for further analysis.

Main Features of the Energy DataStream:

• Built in Web pages provide easy configuration and monitoring of your energy usage
• Eight S0 class pulse meter inputs
• Modbus RTU & IP Communications
• EnOcean Wireless Sensor networks
• Built in support for ‘Indirect Meters’ approved in Part L2
• Reveals energy consumption in real-time
• Records energy consumption at selectable intervals
• Automatically streams data to host computer or Monitoring & Targeting (aM&T) software for further analysis
• Notifies excessive consumption via email/SMS text alerts
• Built in interactive energy profile graphs and charts via a standard Web Browser
• Built in Carbon Footprint analysis & charting
• Can be used stand alone or combined with Synetica’s hosted energy Monitoring and Targeting software; EnergyAnalytics to provide a complete energy management solution
• Easy “Plug & Play” configuration & operation requires no specialist knowledge or IT skills to operate or deploy
• Assists with compliance of Building Regulations Part L
• Optional 1-Wire Temperature, Humidity & Light Sensor inputs
• Eligible for Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs)

Easy Configuration & Operation

The Energy DataStream has been designed to be ‘plug & play’ – easy to install, configure and operate, without any specialist knowledge or IT skills.  The 8 meter input circuits connect directly to any pulse output meter.  Configuration, such as scaling parameters and email address, is carried out via a simple Web browser interface. Once configured, the Energy DataStream automatically sends the logged data via email and/or FTP at the selected intervals.

Energy Alerts

The Energy DataStream can send email alerts when consumption limits are reached. For example when more energy is consumed in a given day or period than anticipated, then an email containing the energy profile data is automatically sent.

Indirect Metering

In addition to direct metering, the Building Regulations Part L2 also permit indirect metering to be used to reduce costs.  For example an Hours run meter can provide an effective energy meter where the plant rating is known and is constant, e.g. a fan or motor.

The Energy DataStream logger provides connections to direct meters (pulse outputs or Modbus communications) and also has built in support for indirect metering methods such as hours run.  All of the calculations and parameters for creating indirect sub-meters are built in and reported in the same way as direct meters, but at significantly lower cost.

Hours run meter

An ‘hours run’ meter can measure the operating hours of a piece of equipment that operates at a constant known load (e.g. a fan). (Energy consumption (kWh/yr) = kW x hours run x load factor). This provides a relatively cheap and simple way of reaching a reasonable estimate of consumption

Energy Profiling

Data logged by the Energy DataStream can be presented as energy profile charts within a standard Web Browser.  The built in interactive charts allow you to view the logged data in a variety of formats including line and bar charts.

In many applications the built in energy profiling application can be used in place of a full-featured Monitoring and Targeting (aM&T) application.

Carbon Footprint Analysis

Automatic calculation and graphical presentation of greenhouse gas emissions, also known as your ‘Carbon Footprint’ allows you to track environmental impact and any improvements achieved.

Hosted Data Analysis & Energy Management

1. Export

Data can be automatically exported via email and/or FTP to a third party data collection / analysis tool such as Microsoft® Excel® or an automatic Monitoring and Targeting (aM&T) package.

2. Analysis

EnergyAnalytics is our web based energy management solution that provides a complete aM&T, carbon reporting and asset management solution for single and multi site organisations.

• User tailored dashboards and reports within a Web browser
• Reveal previously hidden relationships to identify operational issues
• Benchmark energy performance against best practice
• Perform Degree Day analysis
• Set & review targets & Key Performance Indicators
• Prioritise & present data for real time decision making
• Automatically receive alerts and alarms via web pages, e-mail or SMS messaging

The Energy DataStream is fully integrated into EnergyAnalytics via the Synetica plug & play framework.  EnergyAnalytics is subscription-based service accessed via a web browser and requires no software installation.

Energy efficiency has a crucial role to play in cutting CO2 and other greenhouse gases.  The International Energy Agency (IEA) believes that improvements in efficiency alone could be responsible for around 65% of the reduction in emissions from developing countries over the next 20 years, while the UK’s Committee on Climate Change has placed energy efficiency at the centre of its proposal for meeting the UK target of an 80% reduction in emissions by the year 2050.

Climate change and our ever-depleting energy resources mean that efficient energy use is a major social issue.  And because they account for around 40% of total energy consumption, our buildings represent a significant opportunity for us to save a significant amount of energy.  KNX meets the requirements of the top Energy Performance Class for building automation as per EN 15232.  This basically means that KNX is ideally suited to fulfilling the tightened energy consumption requirements for buildings and can allow up to 50% energy savings across a building.

Table 1: Energy Savings with KNX
Source: Energy Efficiency with KNX

• Up to 40 % with KNX shading control
• Up to 50 % with KNX individual room control
• Up to 60 % with KNX lighting control
• Up to 60 % with KNX ventilation control

Buildings that are energy efficiently designed and operated are no longer unique.  Even the description ‘an intelligent building’ is beginning to lose its press appeal.  However, both trends are currently revolutionizing increasingly ambitious architecture and setting a course in the worldwide fight against climate change.  In reality, energy conservation in the building sector has, to a degree, become a trend and has slowly become an everyday concept for architects as well as for building contractors.  Due to the recently recurring annual natural disasters, both large and small, we can see the impact of increasing climate change.  We are, therefore, forced to look to the future and take responsibility for the actions of our society today.

During the construction of a building, as well as during its operation, large amounts of energy are used and for this reason, targeted usage in this area is highly effective.  This does not necessarily mean the ultimate goal should be a ‘zero-energy buulding’.  On its own the intelligent networking of all devices to a decentralized complete system can deliver unforeseen savings.  The networking of all electrical functions in a single installation bus system provides the opportunity for optimal coordinated control.  The operation of heating, air-conditioning, lights and blinds for example can be aligned with external climate conditions and be controlled from an interface.  Energy consumption is thereby kept to a minimum.

Since all electrical driven equipment and installations can be flexibly combined with one another and can be controlled by touch panels or by public networks (telephone, internet), in terms of design and comfort, this opens up unlimited possibilities – from efficient building management through to intelligent security control, the storage of different light, noise and air quality requirements, which can all be realized without great effort.

The creativity of the designer is now called upon, thereby bringing closer the goal of creating expressive and exciting architecture, which is both ecologically sound and profitable.  One thing is crystal clear – we control climate change and with KNX we can make a significant contribution to improving energy efficiency!

Visit knxshop.co.uk - the UK’s leading on-line supplier of KNX products for building control, including lighting, heating, blinds, audio and much more.