Wireless retrofit saves energy in student flats
Retrofitting a wireless building-management system to student accommodation in Bradford is expected to reduce energy consumption by 31% and achieve a 2.4-year return on the investment. Kexgill Student Group, which operates some 600 properties across the UK, worked with Siemens to install the Synco living controls system in a building comprising 14 individual flats to help ensure consistent temperature delivery and optimised energy use according to the needs of the occupants.
Two central controllers in closed cabinets oversee the temperature and energy needs of all 14 apartments and communal areas in the building.
When the building is occupied, the temperature is set at 21°C, dropping to 19°C when it is largely unoccupied. The temperature is further reduced to 17°C overnight.
A useful by-product of the Synco system is improved building security. With constant room temperatures, occupants are less likely to open windows to keep cool — and then forget to close them. Window contacts turn the heating off if windows are left open.
