Halesowen College has made a major step towards its carbon reduction targets with the new system
The college has targets to reduce carbon emissions by 75% by 2037, which the smart lighting system makes a large step towards.
The system was upgraded in partnership with Uni Smart Solutions, a managed service provider for sustainable buildings, and Siemends Financial Services (SFS), the exclusive finance provider for Uni Smart.
Smart technologies can be an important solution
With buildings representing 39% of global energy-related emissions, according to the World Green Building Council and lighting alone contributing up to 25% of energy usage, while HVAC systems (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems. Smart solutions are designed to help mitigate this.
Uni Smart began by gathering data on energy consumption before deciding which method to use. In this case, smart lighting controls were used to save energy, making sure that energy efficient bulbs are used and lights automatically switch off in unoccupied areas.
Using this system, up to 85% energy savings have been achieved and a net saving of 20% in operational costs recorded.
Corinne Youren, Director of Estates at Halesowen College, said, “We have used financing before, for assets such as IT equipment, but this was our first time partnering with a financier for smart building technologies. The master lease solution meant we simply had one structure, and one set of terms and conditions”.
Medical buildings are also adopting modern energy saving features
Plans for a new endoscopy and paediatric audiology building for Newmarket Community Hospital have been submitted, featuring modern methods of construction and energy saving technology throughout.
The new building, if approved, is set to be built in a large loop with circulation and waiting area spaces around the perimeter, allowing for patients and medical staff to move efficiently through the building.
Windows are spread evenly and generously throughout the building, maximising the amount of natural light indoors as well as views to the outside and into the wild garden space in the centre of the building. The spacing of the windows also allows for internal spaces to be planned or re-planned with ease.
The facility will also be all-electric, with air source heat pumps used for heating and hot water, as well as PV panels on the roof. Embodied carbon savings will be tracked via the CarboniCa digital carbon calculation tool, and the construction of the building itself will be diesel-free.
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