A green building is not just a building with solar cells mounted on its roof. If you run a commercial building, office, housing complex or industrial plant, you are well aware that the consumption of energy goes far beyond the production of electricity.
Lighting, air conditioning, pumps, lifts, machinery and other equipment keep consuming power 24 hours a day. The real challenge lies in the effective use of power.
Here come green building solutions into play. Solar helps reduce the dependency on electricity from the grid. Smart meters will allow you to monitor the consumption of energy in your building. IFMS stands for Integrated Facility Management Services and allows managing the systems, ensuring energy efficiency of the building.
Solar Can Reduce the Building’s Dependence on Grid Power
Electricity could end up being the most significant expense when it comes to running costs of a huge building. The rooftop solar system offers the client an option of producing electricity.
Innovel specialises in offering solar solutions to residential, commercial and industrial users of energy. We at Innovel, previously known as Bhaskar Solar, involve the design and installation of the solar system as well as commissioning.
However, solar installation forms part of efficient energy management. It is also essential that the client be aware of the electricity usage.
Smart metering is what will make this possible.
Smart Meters Show What the Building Is Actually Using
Traditional electricity invoices inform the customer of the total amount of electricity used by the building. In some cases, such bills lack sufficient data to determine the location of consumption or how consumption varied throughout the day.
Smart meters for buildings provide a more detailed picture of consumption. Smart meters can assist a client in managing energy usage by identifying consumption patterns.
Innovel has developed smart metering systems, which consist of metering, data management, monitoring, and reporting functionality. Innovative also mentions the availability of real-time energy information and improved consumption control.
If a client identifies abnormal consumption outside the regular business hours, for instance, the building’s staff can conduct an inquiry without having to wait for the next electricity invoice.
Solar and Smart Metering Work Better Together
The real value lies in their integration.
Let us consider the scenario where the client has a solar power system in his office building. It produces power during the working hours of the office, when it is consuming some amount of power to operate its lights, computers, and ACs.
The data provided by smart meters will give information regarding the consumption of energy by the building and its variation throughout the day.
Innovative describes smart metering as being capable of working with renewable energy sources and efficient in managing energy use.
So, the client gets two separate pieces of data: the production and consumption of power by the building.
Where IFMS Comes Into the Picture
The process of energy efficiency is not technology-dependent alone. The physical components of the building must also be taken care of.
This is where the service of IFMS comes into play. Even if the client has an energy-efficient solar installation and precise smart meters, the poor upkeep of the HVAC, lighting, electricals, or other systems can contribute to increased energy usage.
The innovative approach of the IFMS involves all technical services, including HVAC, Electrical, Fire Safety, DG, and CCTV, apart from maintenance and other facility services. Energy audits, Intelligent Lighting Controls, and IoT-based Preventive Maintenance are some of the services of the company.
For the client, it would imply that the facility management staff can take action on the data gathered from the building rather than just collecting it.
The Building Becomes Easier to Manage
Consider the three systems to be separate components of one process.
Solar creates cleaner power. Smart meters provide the client with knowledge about the usage of electricity. IFMS crews keep the equipment and building systems that use this power.
If the components work separately, then the client is going to have relevant information and poor coordination. If they are combined, then the facility crew is going to detect issues faster, conduct regular maintenance and better utilise available power.
The IFMS solution provided by Innovel includes real-time performance monitoring, preventive maintenance scheduling and evidence-based monitoring.
Why This Matters for Indian Buildings
Indian structures function under a very different scenario. Energy demands can fluctuate depending on weather conditions, the number of people occupying the buildings, work hours, and use of equipment. A commercial structure will have very different energy demands from those of a residential building.
Therefore, green building solutions should begin by taking into consideration the actual demands of the client rather than offering an off-the-shelf concept.
Innovative’s expertise in solar energy, smart metering, and facility management enables the client to approach energy and infrastructure as interrelated needs. Innovative claims to have installed over 250,000 solar energy plants, covering both residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
A green building does not become efficient because it runs on renewable energy. It becomes efficient when the client is able to produce energy, monitor its consumption, and maintain the systems involved in consumption.
This is where the need for a combination of solar, smart metering systems, and IFMS comes in handy.
FAQs
- What is meant by a green building?
A green building is one that consumes energy, water, and other resources efficiently without adversely affecting the environment through improved design, technology and operations.
- In what way can smart meters contribute to efficient energy use in buildings?
Smart meters can give building owners information about energy consumption patterns and wastage in the building.
- Is it possible to install solar panels in commercial buildings?
Yes, this is definitely possible. The installation of solar panels normally takes place atop structures based on a number of factors such as available space and electricity requirements.
- Why is facility management important in green buildings?
Facility management assists in improving the efficiency of building facilities and equipment. Improved maintenance may lead to increased efficiency of equipment, thus reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
- Is it possible to use smart meters with solar power systems?
Yes, intelligent metering can be effective in measuring power usage and monitoring energy production and usage in the building.
