Electrical Power & Protection


Optimising a building’s energy consumption through data analysis

Technews Industry Guide: Sustainable Manufacturing 2022 Electrical Power & Protection


Frikkie Malan.

According to various sources, up to 30% of the total energy consumption of a building can be attributed to heating, ventilation and cooling. One of the most effective ways of optimising these involves having access to the right data. Analysing this data will provide the necessary guidance to where the most relevant interventions can be implemented to significantly reduce energy costs.

Ideally, planning the energy efficiency of a building should be done during the design phase, as it can be challenging to retrofit existing structures. Of course, this does not mean it is impossible to do so, or that an energy efficient retrofit project cannot deliver attractive returns on investment. Since there are more existing buildings than new ones, the effective planning and implementation of building energy efficiency programmes should be a priority if local building owners are to get ahead of rising electricity prices and to mitigate against the ongoing threat of load shedding, failing electricity infrastructure and limited water resources.

At Remote Metering Solutions (RMS) we have access to all the critical data to assist with informed decision making, whether at the design phase or during the planning of retrofitting projects. Access to this data better equips a property owner or building manager to design a sustainable programme that would benefit tenants and property owners alike. Traditional methods such as installing insulation or better quality glass may not make a significant difference to the energy consumption of a building. Therefore, some out-of-the-box thinking is required.

RMS has extensive experience in unlocking energy efficiency through comprehensive data analysis. We look at an entire portfolio and determine the areas where maximum efficiencies can be gained. This allows us to identify the buildings that would give owners the best return on investment, those where demand and peak tariffs need to be managed more effectively, and the ones where other opportunities for innovation might become available.

There could be several passive and active design considerations to evaluate, depending on the guidance provided by the right data. An example of passive design considerations relating to the sun is the orientation of rooms. For example, south-facing rooms are cooler, while east- and west-facing rooms can get extremely hot in summer. It therefore makes sense for building owners and residents to use their north-facing rooms as well-used spaces.

Active considerations come in the form of replacing electric heaters with gas heaters, installing ceiling fans to increase air flow, replacing electric geysers with solar water heaters, and using energy efficient lighting.

The Empire State Building is a well-known example of how retrofitting can reap significant benefits, and is now considered to be one of the world’s most energy efficient buildings. The building’s energy consumption was reduced by more than 40% through a major infrastructure overhaul to optimise energy use; from retrofitting windows, to elevators which recapture energy that would be lost as heat, and radiators which use reflective barriers to reduce heat loss into the air.

Whichever solutions are selected, their success is supported by having real-time visibility of the energy consumption of a building. Internet of Things devices can provide incredible insights into energy consumption, both at a building level and at a tenant or equipment level. These devices can be implemented at a fraction of the cost of upgrading existing infrastructure.

So, instead of viewing the process of improving the energy efficiency of a building as a complex undertaking, building owners and tenants can start small and focus on the quick wins. The key to achieving this is to change our way of thinking and leverage the available data to unlock opportunities for efficiency and sustainability.




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

High performance power distribution
Electrical Power & Protection
Hexagon Electrical plays an important role in enhancing efficiency and safety through the supply and support of a wide range of critical equipment for hazardous industrial and mining sectors in Africa.

Read more...
Navigating solar energy adoption
Electrical Power & Protection
Although South Africa’s enhanced solar tax rebate has ended, solar and energy storage solutions remain accessible and achievable. By taking a proactive and strategic approach, businesses can successfully lower their operational costs, mitigate power outages, and secure long-term energy independence.

Read more...
As wind energy gains momentum, lack of grid infrastructure remains a bottleneck
Electrical Power & Protection
Interest in wind energy has gained significant momentum in South Africa, opening up new opportunities for investment. However, lack of grid infrastructure could prove to be a stumbling block in unlocking this potential.

Read more...
Portable appliance tester
Vepac Electronics Electrical Power & Protection
The new appliance tester from Vepac is the ideal tool for testing the safety of electrical appliances in accordance with DGUV regulation 3 and BetrSichV. It enables the precise measurement of protective conductor or touch current using the equivalent leakage current method.

Read more...
Is sustainability enough any more?
Electrical Power & Protection
With the planet’s resources stretched to the brink and no signs of improvement, it is time we look beyond sustainability and explore regenerative thinking and design.

Read more...
A simple guide to understanding the importance of IP ratings
Electrical Power & Protection
When selecting electrical products for industrial, commercial or even domestic use, it is crucial to consider how well they can withstand environmental factors like dust and water. This is where ingress protection (IP) ratings come into play.

Read more...
A milestone in electrical safety
ABB South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Celebrating a milestone in electrical safety, ABB proudly marks the 100-year anniversary of its revolutionary Miniature Circuit Breaker.

Read more...
The power of water
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
The Alpenglow Hy4 is the world’s first water-based hydrogen combustion engine, offering a convincing alternative to traditional battery-electric vehicles and established hydrogen fuel cell designs.

Read more...
Optimising purification for green hydrogen production
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
Parker Hannifin delivers advanced purification and thermal management components that enhance green hydrogen production.

Read more...
A new chapter in geothermal engineering
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
The town of Geretsried in southern Germany has become a focal point in the global shift toward renewable energy. While the world’s attention often turns to wind turbines and solar panels, a quieter but no less powerful force is at work deep beneath the surface, geothermal energy.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved