Balancing the challenges and realities of integrated systems in 2008
David Epps offers a perspective on building controls that not only deliver balance-sheet value but that help companies deliver on their HSE and CSR policies.First and foremost, it is important to understand what integrated systems means. It is a term often shrouded in mysticism and lack of understanding. In its essence, integration means connecting all the various components in a building to provide a functionality that is difficult or impossible to achieve via separate systems. These systems are likely to include the various building controls, but can also extend to business tools such as personnel databases or EPOS systems. The connectivity allows intercommunication and the sharing of data. Common examples of systems that are ‘integrated’ include access and lighting controls, CCTV and HVAC. The actual systems involved should be determined by a client’s requirements and should provide client benefit through improving business value — something that has been overlooked in the past. By encouraging clients to be more consultative in their approach right from the very early stages of the project, a properly designed and unified solution can be developed where benefits can be achieved at all phases of a building’s lifetime. Benefits Building Schools for the Future (BSF), the Government’s initiative to provide every school child with 21st century facilities over the next 10 to 15 years, is a perfect example of how building systems have come of age and how the reality of operating these systems is about assessing every need at an early stage and providing solutions that have relevance to all stakeholders, including the building manager. In order to understand what the building is, what the key operating parameters are and how it is to be used, it is essential to develop a close relationship with the client, professional team and the users and operators of the building to gain this necessary detail. Only then can the most appropriate solution be developed that meets the requirements of the various stakeholders. Lancashire BSF is committed to providing state-of-the-art technology. In total, £1.4 million is being spent across three schools and brings 21st century facilities to teachers, pupils and the community. Sustainability, energy and social responsibility are increasingly important issues, and pupils are becoming more aware of the pressing matters within society. Pupils want to know what the solutions are to creating a more sustainable future. This is the impetus behind the use of a renewable-energy display board across the three schools. This tool is a dynamic visual that shows the amount of energy being generated and the carbon emissions saved by fully utilising the renewable technologies. Relevant solutions This revolution in thinking and awareness is set to bring building systems in line with the client’s and users’ explicit wishes and requirements, rather than finding compromise through the use of generic solutions. Essentially, rather than getting caught up in the technology that is on offer, the industry is now, first and foremost, aiming to offer the client real and directly relevant solutions to its needs. By investing the time in undertaking a true assessment of the needs and demands of the building at the design stage, the client can realise true business value through both the capital-expenditure and the operational-expenditure phases of the facility.
These three schools in Lancashire are exploiting the benefits of integrated building-control systems.
