leading light

When a global specialist in energy management installs eco-friendly features in its new headquarters, the phrase leading by example comes to mind.

Schneider Electric's new national head office and distribution centre was designed from the ground up to deliver world-leading energy efficiencies. The building is a working example of the technologies available for new and retrofitted buildings, says general manager, power business unit, Mike Heron.

"Savings made through getting the technology mix right benefit the planet as well as the company. After all, each watt used takes approximately three watts to generate."

Schneider Electric's energy efficiencies can be easily seen when considered as individual systems. To begin with, the main switchboard incorporates advanced management technology. Circuit breakers with integrated power measurement combined with specialised power meters provide continuous energy information to the building management system. From here, analysis is undertaken, leading to corrective action to optimise the energy profile.

The BMS, in turn, interfaces with all facets of the building's energy use, including air conditioning and air economy, water usage, security, access control and lighting.

Lighting control is an essential part of the building's energy-saving strategies. This focuses on harvesting daylight to capture as much natural light as possible, with automated lighting to maintain consistent light levels. The design minimises ultraviolet and infrared rays and features an integrated presence control to ensure lights are turned off when not required.

Schneider Electric's APC brand is a founding company in the Green Grid, an organisation aimed at maximising data centre efficiency. Using highly efficient uninterrruptible power supplies, APC provides clean, secure power to Schneider Electric's IT and communications equipment. InRow air conditioners use variable speed fans to minimise airflow and reduce losses associated with fan power.

Power distribution is another key aspect of energy consumption. A decentralised or bus duct wiring system has been used throughout the facility. This presents significant user benefits due to the cost-limiting implications of the technology which requires less cabling, less installation time and makes any future changes an easy undertaking.

Temperature control is also an important aspect of Schneider Electric's war on wasteful energy consumption. A Variant Refrigerant Volume (VRV) system senses the ambient temperature in different parts of the building and varies the refrigerant delivered to those areas accordingly. When one side of the building gets more sun and heat, the system will absorb the refrigerant and transfer that heat to cooler parts of the building delivering effective thermal efficiency.

This array of features has ensured the Schneider Electric New Zealand head office is a shining example of an energy-efficient business. Schneider Electric specialises in energy management solutions that are safe, reliable, productive and efficient, to help business achieve more with less, whether building new or retrofitting an existing space.

For further information, contact Schneider Electric, phone 0800 652 999. Or alternatively, email: energymanagement@nz.schneider-electric.com, or visit the website: www.schneider-electric.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas