from the editor Connecting in person to define an essential service industry It was with a sense of anticipation and excitement that the tour group of 54 Southern African cleaning professionals recently boarded a plane to attend the world’s foremost cleaning and hygiene showcase in Amsterdam. It is noteworthy to fathom that this group, the largest yet, clearly underlined the unprecedented need to catch up on innovative developments and to reconnect in this sector. Having travelled to the show consistently for more than 20 years, this year felt somewhat different. This was mainly because of the reality that, for the past four years the world of professional cleaning was unable to congregate, to explore and celebrate the exceptional achievements made in this essential services sector during the pandemic. Face-to-face interaction has been greatly missed as a platform where everyone could make the most of being able to meet likeminded individuals in person again following a protracted lockdown period. Although online events and virtual exhibitions created an environment where buyers and sellers could engage remotely, these fell short of the traditional in-person, face-to-face experience that resembled an industry reunion. With this fresh and illuminating experience in mind I want to turn the attention to the leading African event for the professional cleaning industry, scheduled to take place in Johannesburg from 12–14 October this year. Building on the gains made by the professional cleaning industry in maintaining healthy workplace and living environments during the global pandemic, Cleantex Africa, with a co-located conference, will prove to be the platform to showcase the full extent of the industry and boost its relevance. Space is limited. Do not miss out on the opportunity to exhibit or to register as a conference delegate. Enjoy the read
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opinion
Understanding the science of smart buildings Smart technology is all around us, helping to streamline everyday living inside and outside our homes. From the name, one must assume that smart buildings do something clever. So, what is a smart building? It is a connected building that integrates all energy sources for maximum efficiency and environmental benefit.
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ver the years, the ability to control energy in the home has improved greatly. Smart homeowners can now select lighting, heating, security and air conditioning systems individually from one control panel – much like a home entertainment system. This enables homeowners to have more control over their home energy usage and manage it more efficiently.
Minimising energy usage With the focus currently on how excessive energy use is impacting the environment worldwide, both developers and homeowners are looking at lessening the impact of home energy usage. Of course, energy is essential in any business or home, but there are ways to minimise usage and help lessen the environmental impact. This is especially relevant in the South African context where energy is expensive and we are reliant on a fragile electrical grid. In order to meet strict environmental efficiency targets, it is not enough for buildings to simply contain a range of separate energy systems that provide light and heat, as they did in the past. Buildings that are designed now – and in the future – must have these systems connected in an integrated, functional and dynamic way. Smart buildings are designed with the future in mind, with integration already built into their fabric. They are conceived to offer energy-saving solutions from
their initial design stage through to their use as homes or businesses. Energy efficiency is fully integrated into their lifecycle and they are designed to deliver energy at the lowest cost and environmental impact over this lifecycle.
How do smart buildings work? So how are the energy systems integrated within a smart building? Their functionality operates by using information technology to connect a variety of energy subsystems. These systems can then share information to optimise performance within the building. Outside of the property, the building can be connected to a smart power grid. Integrated building automation will not only be commonplace in the homes of the future, but will also bring benefits to commercial and office buildings. Smart technology can improve the working environment, as well as the living environment. If workers use all the smart technology available in a building to facilitate their work, the functionality of an office environment is sure to improve. These improvements in functionality will not only impact the workers, but also the managers of commercial buildings. In terms of energy management and efficient use of space, there are great leaps forward to be made. With climate and light being more easily controlled in a smart building, the objectives of being more efficient and lessening a building’s environmental impact can be achieved.
