TERESA MADALENOThe manufacturing sector in Canada accounts for about 20 percent of the energy used in the country. In the United States about one-third of energy is used by industry. The point is, Canada and the United States are highly industrialized countries that require power to operate daily, but it comes at a price. That price is significant carbon emissions and higher operating costs for manufacturers. Thanks to advanced technology though, our power system doesn’t have to be what puts you out of business.
More companies are starting to see the benefits of wireless lighting control systems. It’s obvious that a building that is more energy efficient isn’t just better for the planet; it saves money. In recent years, wireless lighting management has come to the rescue of many operation’s managers. It has offered them the opportunity to boost productivity, save money, lower carbon emissions, and enhance the usability of their building.
Some facility managers are hesitant about wireless building management, but a study by Navigant Research estimates that worldwide revenue from wireless nodes for building controls will reach $434 million by 2023.
There are a number of companies now designing and manufacturing advanced sensors and controls to help both commercial and industrial buildings optimize energy management. They believe that being able to remotely monitor energy is the first step to significant savings. It’s all about connecting sensors and software to create smart buildings. In simple terms, these technology providers are giving you much more control than you have ever had when it comes to your energy consumption.
Lighting experts contend that this type of control can reduce your lighting costs by 30 to 50 percent.
Here are just some of the benefits of lighting controls and sensors:
• Efficient monitoring – wireless lighting control systems allow for more efficient monitoring of electrical output. Faults are automatically reported and unoccupied rooms no longer waste energy. Sections of your facility can be plotted in relation to use.
• Low maintenance – the technology is designed to control lights without the need for complex cabling systems. As an example, wireless switches can be installed with low levels of disruption.
• Design – lighting control system panels are now designed to blend in seamlessly with the configuration of your building.
• Security – the control systems can be integrated into existing systems such as security systems or even blinds.
• Holiday modes – can mimic the look of usual lighting when the building is unoccupied.
• Improved lighting – appropriate light can be set depending on time of day, time of year, production schedules etc.
Wireless sensors and systems are making more sense to facilities in all industry sectors. Controlling and optimizing energy usage, monitoring and maintaining peak environmental conditions, as well as tracking and leveraging occupancy data has made a big difference for many company’s struggling with soaring energy bills.