3 key drivers of energy optimization with Building Connect

In collaboration with the AI4Cities partners, Heroes developed Building Connect, a data platform that can reduce the energy consumption of non-residential buildings by using AI, IoT & Cloud technologies. Now, a few months after creating the prototype, we have been busy further developing the solution based on valuable insights and feedback provided by the market.

Below, we describe the key drivers for energy optimization that Building Connect provides:

The ability to benchmark a building to similar (more efficient) buildings. And learn why similar buildings use less energy, while they have the same use, size, volume, construction year, etc. Does it have something to do with the building material? Or is it off-hour waste of energy? Or does the other the building have more efficient occupancy schedules? With Building Connect you will find out.

Did you know that lighting is one of the greatest energy consumers in most commercial facilities? There are many different ways to optimize your facility’s lighting and some of them are absolutely free, below some tips to optimize your lightning:

• Introduce behavioral modification, which will turn off the lights when you leave;
• Install motion sensors;
• Take advantage of natural lights
• Replace inefficient bulbs with more efficient ones
• Replace wiring, this is the most expensive option but very effective.

Building Connect will provide you with insights in the lighting consumption, how efficient you are and whether you can improve.

Next to lighting, HVAC (Heating/Ventilation/Airco) is the biggest consumer of energy facilities. There are simple steps to start with, such as setting the right occupancy schedule (use hours) or adjusting the thermostat a little. After that, the AI HVAC optimization algorithm of Building Connect can take control and reduce energy consumption while maintaining comfort in the building. It will result in the optimal configuration of your HVAC system.

In short… Building Connect enables you to compare the energy consumption of several buildings at the same time and provides you with deeper insights on where to optimize the current energy consumption which not only results in reduced energy costs but also reduced CO2 emissions. Win-win, right?

Originally published at https://www.heroes.nl.