If we talk about historical records, the price of electricity takes the cake this year. It has continually been the front page on the media, a headache for Spanish families, and a fuel for renewable energy policies. But, although it has monopolized the spotlight since the end of 2021, it has shared its stardom with energy efficiency. That includes Smart Buildings, Smart Homes, Smart Grids. Smart options to achieve energy efficiency in the office or in homes. In buildings, in general.
Although April has started with a drop in the price of electricity, betting on energy efficiency is still the best option. According to the Iberian Energy Market Operator (OMIE), the average price of electricity in the wholesale market for the first day of the month fell by 6.11% compared to March, standing at €224.75.
However, the price is still well above what was paid in 2021. For this reason, industry experts recommend betting on renewable energy and modifying consumption habits, targeting the cheapest hours.
From more to less: Smart Buildings
Integration. This is the key to Smart Buildings. The creation of these intelligent buildings begins with the linking of their main systems: lighting, heating, meters, sensors. And it is this connection that allows us to achieve efficiency in consumption.
Second Step is Data collection. Smart Buildings collect data on their occupants and their consumption using sensors, microchips and software. As a result, by setting patterns, they make users more productive with lighting, temperature, and air quality, among other features.
Thanks to data and the establishment of patterns, Smart Buildings reduce energy consumption and optimize the use of space. It is done through technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things), Artificial Intelligence and different types of software. These technological solutions not only control and optimize consumption, but also automate their functions, betting on remote and centralized control.
According to the European Commission, in 2020, 40% of the energy consumption of European cities came from their buildings. The data refers to buildings, in general, but what about offices?
In the midst of a pandemic, with remote work options, these spaces closed their doors and, as a consequence, reduced their energy consumption. However, now the situation is quite different. Not only because of the return to offices and the reactivation of this consumption, but also because of the rise in the price of electricity.
With peaks of up to 544.98 euros/MWh, the price of electricity during the month of March also broke a historical record, according to the OCU. Faced with such increases, companies seek efficient solutions, such as those proposed by Bookker, with improvements in efficiency and productivity of over 35%.
The use of technology to achieve efficiency
Energy efficiency has gone from trend to requirement. And, the use of technology in workspaces is becoming more common. Management, integration, automation. What are the most demanded technologies to achieve energy efficiency in the office?
Remote control: In addition to having predictive and preventive maintenance, Smart Offices are committed to the use of data analysis to establish action plans. Thus, in case of need, the maintenance staff can assist quickly wherever they are.
Artificial Intelligence: Thanks to the personalization of devices, the recording of data in real time and the establishment of consumption patterns, resources are saved, and energy efficiency is achieved in offices.
Augmented Reality: Beyond the control of systems or the possibility of activating alarms and sensors, this technology allows to obtain real-time data on the use of workspaces. As a result, a more efficient management of them can be carried out.
6 tips to achieve energy efficiency in the office
Beyond the review of supply contracts, to achieve energy efficiency, it is necessary to draw up a specific action plan that includes lighting, air conditioning, consumption habits and technology. Here are 6 aspects that should be considered.
- Change your habits at the office. Small actions, such as turning off the computer at the end of the day or the lights in a room when not in use, help achieve energy efficiency.
- Air conditioning is responsible for 40% of energy consumption in workspaces. Therefore, its regulation is another of the key points to achieve your goals.
- Take advantage of natural light to illuminate your space and bet on renewable energies.
- Unplug your devices when you're not using them. Although they are at rest, they consume energy, it is what is known as energy vampire
- Commitment to tools for the efficient management of spaces. Without sensors or the need for hardware, you can achieve extra energy efficiency. For example, using Augmented Reality. This way you will obtain total occupancy control and you will be able to adapt the rest of the office systems, such as lighting or air conditioning, to the actual use that is being made of it.
Sustainability and savings. The use of technology to achieve energy efficiency in the office goes through the study and control of the data. Real-time information is the great ally of workspace management. It makes processes more efficient and optimizes available resources.
