Corporate energy management

Occupancy sensors for lighting control use infrared (IR) or acoustic technology, or a combination of the two. Most systems incorporate a delay time before switching. This delay time is often user-selectable, but a typical default value is 15 minutes. This means that the sensor must detect no motion for the entire delay time before the lights are switched. Most systems switch lights off at the end of the delay time, but more sophisticated systems with dimming technology reduce lighting slowly to a minimum level (or zero) over several minutes, to minimize the potential disruption in adjacent spaces. If lights are off and an occupant re-enters a space, most current systems switch lights back on when motion is detected. However, systems designed to switch lights off automatically with no occupancy, and that require the occupant to switch lights on when they re-enter are gaining in popularity due to their potential for increased energy savings. These savings accrue because in a space with access to daylight the occupant may decide on their return that they no longer require supplemental electric lighting.

Ideally both systems are to be implemented simultaneously to maximise the energy control and to reduce electrical costs. Most calculations these days equate to a 3.8 year pay back period but this will improve dramatically from the new-year with not only increased electricity prices but also penalties that will be applied to all companies that have not achieved at least a 10% reduction in energy usage since the 2005/6 baseline.

In the case of especially the agricultural, manufacturing and mining sectors, energy saving measures is not so well known. In these sectors an energy efficiency audit can be undertaken to identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency. This can have the long term benefit of reducing the energy intensity of our economy without loss of production, while at the same time achieving savings in the amount of electricity used.

Professional electrical specialists, such as certified energy efficiency specialists or electrical engineers, are able to evaluate the energy consumed in the different functions of a manufacturing facility for example and recommend ways in which to make both operational processes and equipment more energy efficient. This is done according to a generic audit protocol and an economical sector specific checklist. The function of monitoring and verification of the improvements is also offered.

Platynum are experienced in the planning, design and provision of environmentally friendly office environments. Contact Platynum to arrange a site visit and an environmental study of your office environment.

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