Energy efficiency offers a significant supply of inexpensive energy, but only if creative business models can be created to realize their full potential. Many public and commercial organizations continue to undervalue energy efficiency, and a number of enduring obstacles must be removed to allow for the widespread adoption of energy efficiency measures. An important strategy for relieving pressure on the energy supply is energy efficiency. To meet the task of increasing energy efficiency, new approaches will be necessary, including a complex fusion of research and development, public and private investments in energy infrastructure, new legislation, and urban design. National and international policies continue to be essential for promoting energy consumption that is more efficient. Market-based strategies, however, can be a useful tool for guiding individual decisions in the proper direction. Energy is needed for all economic agent operations, including real estate companies, and governments. As a result, new business models and market processes are very important in advancing energy efficiency. When asked what their biggest expense is, real estate managers would say energy expenses. Real estate companies spend more on energy each year than on any other utility. What then should a real estate manager do? Don’t worry, the Energy Project Africa (EPA) got your back. EPA is a leading renewable energy business in Lagos, Nigeria with expertise in procurement of energy equipment, energy audit, and feasibility solutions for electrification and lighting of companies’ and communities’ energy projects. Through our Energy audits and feasibility solution, we help stakeholders make data-driven decisions in the clean energy space via real-time quantitative research and feasibility studies. Below are the five ways clean tech is improving sustainability and energy efficiency in real estate:
Energy Storage
Energy storage is becoming a crucial component of sustainable buildings, from big lithium-ion batteries to gravity-powered power generation. When combined with the production of renewable energy, this not only aids in the stabilization of electrical grids but also offers cheap, clean energy. At EPA, we are often involved directly in procuring components and delivering either lead-acid or lithium batteries for African communities and businesses’ uses. This is accomplished with the affiliation of battery manufacturers for African use. The procurement is actualized with work by European and American manufacturers, Pylontech, which focuses on developing new lithium battery solutions, Schneider, Fullriver; Index-Exide; and Deka.
Consider a developer of real estate who has solar panels and batteries linked in a distributed storage system and who can sell electricity back to the grid. Energy storage options are continually being explored. “Energy storage is a huge opportunity for building owners and investors to increase overall efficiency and the shift to renewable energy while saving money on energy costs,” says a researcher. “Charging electrical storage devices could also be integrated into building energy systems as electric vehicles gain traction, allowing parked vehicles to be used as battery storage.
• Smart sensors
Smart sensors that detect office occupancy can significantly improve energy efficiency by optimizing lighting and the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems as more employees work remotely or commute in socially distant shifts (HVAC). “You can’t foresee when individuals will arrive in the post-pandemic workplace, where mixed employment arrangements will be much more common.” Monitoring that is real-time, intelligent, and actionable is essential for efficient energy management. Equipment sensors are also assisting maintenance personnel by sending out notifications before problems demand more resources to fix. Facilities managers can monitor and modify building systems remotely, ensuring that vital components don’t consume excessive amounts of energy while still operating to compliance levels.
• AI-powered windows
Natural light is frequently used in energy-efficient building design, and smart glass in the windowpanes allows for better control over sunshine, heat, and glare. One such example is internet-connected glass from View Inc. that automatically tints glass using artificial intelligence to provide a more comfortable indoor atmosphere while using less electricity for lighting and cooling. Hailo’s smart glass is also cloud-based and responds to user commands or the time of day by dimming or brightening to maximize natural light.
• Automation-driven HVAC
One of the biggest potential sources of energy inefficiency is the HVAC system, which can be considerably improved by AI-based management solutions for sensor-equipped buildings. Remote monitoring is now possible thanks to businesses like 75F, BrainBox.ai, and others, which help to manage indoor air quality while using less energy. Buildings are now responding to factors in real-time with more dynamic responses thanks to increased data and advanced algorithms.
smart technologies that can interact successfully are crucial for maximizing energy consumption across the area in buildings with many tenants that have distinct companies and operations.” This is particularly crucial in the post-COVID-19 era, when developing comfortable workplaces begins with healthy structures.
• Sensor-based motors
Large amounts of wasted energy and higher costs are brought on by the motors that power appliances like air conditioning, refrigerators, fans, and elevators. The numerous machines that keep buildings running could be transformed by Turntide Technologies’ next-generation motors. The internet-enabled motors have sensors that keep an eye on operations to make sure they operate well, cutting energy use to save expenses and emissions and assisting in the transition of a building to net-zero carbon. “Whether you can see it or not, building technology is revolutionizing not just the sector but the entire planet.
Lack of knowledge and expertise frequently prevents the adoption of energy efficiency solutions not only in the real estate sector but in other sectors of the economy. The tremendous potential of such initiatives is difficult for non-experts to comprehend due to a lack of knowledge and a highly technical nature. Informational barriers exist, in part because knowledge about financial solutions has been insufficiently synthesized. Due to these informational hurdles, real estate managers are not aware of the substantial financial benefits that energy efficiency projects can provide. We solve this issue by providing tips and accessories that can save you from an excessive energy bill. Our team of engineers and data analysts are well trained and experienced in the field of energy audit and efficiency to give your real estate business the most effective and efficient energy which reduces the amount of money you spend on energy on a daily, monthly, or yearly basis.
E.P.A. (Energy Projects Africa) through her Energy audits and feasibility solution helps stakeholders make data-driven decisions in the clean energy space via real-time quantitative research and feasibility studies. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the renewable energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit Mail hello@energy-projects.africa to learn more.
