Building resilience into systems that are fit for the future

Kevin Devine, Sales Director, Xylem Water Solutions Ireland, outlines ways in which the latest tech can power Ireland’s drive for energy efficiency on the journey to net zero carbon emissions.

Sustainability is the key issue of our time. As well as the responsibility to protect the planet for future generations, it calls for resilience in the face of changing weather patterns, fluctuating fuel prices and dwindling resources.

The energy-hungry building sector has been identified as crucial to help achieve the EU’s energy and environmental goals, and developing more energyefficient solutions is a vital piece of the puzzle. With HVAC energy consumption accounting for more than 40% of a commercial building’s total energy use, for example, we know there are savings to be made.

Overhauling systems to meet new targets comes with a cost, but that’s where retrofitted solutions can bring real value, creating building systems fit for the 21st century without the hefty price tag.

I heard Ian McAulay, former Chief Executive Officer at Southern Water, said something about investing wisely that stuck with me: “Capex is for Christmas, but Opex is for life”. That is why at Xylem we are helping clients across Ireland prioritise sustainable longterm solutions with the help of bolt-on, built-to-last solutions, as well as new platforms that help identify incipient issues and enable the move from reactive to proactive maintenance. We’ve even appointed a business development manager to focus on building services specification, and to work with the consulting engineering community to deliver bespoke solutions and support the delivery of energy contracting services.

High-tech lowers energy usage

Xylem’s Lowara Hydrovar intelligent variable speed pump controller, named Best Energy Efficient Product at the SEAI Energy Show, controls the speed of a motor to match performance to demand. By adjusting performance in this way, it ensures pump systems only use the energy that is necessary, saving up to 80% at partial loads alone.

Retrofitting energy efficiency

Existing fixed speed pumps no longer have to equal higher bills. A motor running at 80% of its maximum speed uses 48% less energy, making add-on controllers like the fifth generation Hydrovar an essential part of a building manager’s toolkit to bring pumping systems rapidly up-to-date and meet challenging energy efficiency requirements, as well as saving on bills.

Operating smarter

Xylem’s Smart Asset Management

(SAM) framework connects with any motor-driven asset to provide real-time actionable data on performance for maximum efficiency. It creates a digital twin that allows users to optimise systems through monitoring and analysis of historic, current and future asset condition, minimising ad hoc service calls and prioritising service workflows.

Benefit from digital development

As Ireland takes steps to meet a minimum 55% EU reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, buildings are being challenged under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) to reduce energy use. New regulations have established minimum energy performance requirements for new buildings, for existing buildings undergoing major renovation, and for the replacement or retrofit of HVAC systems, roofs and walls.

To make smarter use of Opex, energy efficiency and sustainability are key. In addition to meeting energy and environmental goals, more energyefficient buildings will improve quality of life and ease energy poverty. With reuse among the central principles of sustainability, retrofitted solutions have a major role to play. Other digital tools can help building systems operate smarter via round-the-clock monitoring to offer insights into both energy consumption and performance.

For more information visit www. xylem.com/en-ie

Reference

1. https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energyefficiency/energy-efficient-buildings/energyperformance-buildings-directive_en