Smart systems are the future

Whereas installation engineering used to consist mainly of practical work, nowadays everyone has to deal with digitalization. Both the installer and building owner want to know how the systems work, and that data must be presented in an attractive way. From the end of 2025, commercial buildings with a rated power of 290 kW or more must also have a building automation and control system. So there is work to be done.

Design and management

As an installer, you want to demonstrate that the system you created meets the requirements. That the system works as it should. As a building owner, you also want to know how your building is performing. You not only want insight into how energy consumption is, but also into how often rooms are occupied and what can be improved. Sustainability is an important issue when designing and managing buildings.

Linking systems

The tricky thing is to get all the systems linked together, to get a total overview that both the installer and client can use. To get the information out in the right way and present it in a nice way. At Roodenburg we employ software engineers and data analysts to do that. Most large buildings do have a building management system, but the way of presenting it is still a little thing. Especially with existing buildings. We have another year to look for the best methods. Eventually, these regulations will also apply to smaller installations.

Energy and comfort

Fortunately, developers and building owners themselves are also increasingly digitizing. Previously, office buildings had to be built as cheaply as possible, but today they often stay in their own possession for longer periods of time. This means that better long-term choices are being made. This is positive because then the Total Cost of Ownership principle is applied. Investments are already being made during the construction process, with the goal that it will only pay off later. Comfort plays an important role here, in addition to energy savings.

Self-learning software

In the future, systems will not only neatly show how a building is performing, but will also be able to intervene on their own. For example, by controlling energy consumption and energy prices. The difficulty here is: how are you going to combine this with building comfort? It is not the intention that less energy will suddenly be consumed and users will suddenly be left out in the cold. This requires further thought, such as within what bandwidth systems can intervene. If the boundary conditions are clearly defined, then self-learning software has the future.  

The Pen - Lernard Simonis – Manager of Sustainable Energy Solutions at Roodenburg Group