As we move towards a more sustainable future, we need to understand what role technology will play in helping to deliver that benefit. This is a complex topic as technology is a broad church with lots of different views. I guess no single approach will dominate, although there is no guarantee that at some point in the future this could be the case. However, it’s unlikely.
More likely is that we will have several disparate systems that will need to communicate with each other, share data and make decisions based on multiple inputs. The big question is deciding which input has the highest priority with regards to safety and sustainability.
Depending on the application, this can have a massive impact. A life safety system such as emergency lighting, for example, needs to fail safe at all times and only use technology to add diagnostics and additional functionality.
In a previous blog I mentioned the role of DT51 commands within DALI and how it’s possible to monitor the real-time use of energy for emergency lighting — something we do with the ektor range of emergency lighting. Other systems may have a different approach, but we favour the standardised approach from DALI.
In other applications we have occupancy sensors and daylight devices — often the same device that can monitor local lighting conditions and occupancy patterns. If we factor in environmental sensing and cameras, then we know how many people are in the space and the quality of the air within that area. Each component can trigger an event, although they have slightly different remits.
A multi-sensor with environmental sensing, such as the zencontrol IoT sensor, combines multiple functions that avoid duplication of hardware and provide data in a variety of formats. BACnet, MQTT and similar protocols allow data to be shared with HVAC systems to provide insight into the local environment. It’s also worth mentioning that sensors built into an HVAC system can share data with the lighting management system, so you need to take a holistic approach to the integration of controls and determine who’s controlling what.
The number one advantage with convergence is avoiding duplication — less hardware, lower installation costs and lower operating costs.
Contractually, it can get a little complicated. However, with smart devices, sharing data is now commonplace and, provided the contract is appropriately apportioned, integration is entirely possible.
The Role of Software
In addition, we must consider software — and this is key. We are very much of the opinion that software will be the glue that combines technology. It’s the key feature of any sustainable solution as it allows the user to make decisions based on facts rather than speculation. If it’s open and flexible, then sharing data cross-platform becomes a process, not a barrier.
Lighting is ubiquitous, so using this fact gives us a smart grid that can be utilised to track, measure and adapt to suit the user or client’s needs. If based on a technology such as DALI-2 and/or the new DALI+ (wireless DALI with Thread), then combining different hardware becomes straightforward. The role of an application controller — wired or wireless — provides a seamless window to technology.
Systems will vary — and rightly so. However, hardware needs to be common and sustainable. That’s why we advocate DALI-2 and IEC 62386 Part 104 (which will become DALI+) as this maintains supply of hardware and never limits the potential for any operating site.
Maximising the life of a project must be the first feature of any sustainable system. Open standards give you the confidence to do this, as you are not restricted by any one manufacturer.
Having a strong foundation and then building on connectivity is the role of the system. This may not apply to every application, but I would argue that having a strong and open foundation — whether wired or wireless — makes perfect sense.
If we control the hardware in lighting terms — drivers, sensors, switches, relays and emergency lighting — then sharing that data becomes straightforward, regardless of the manufacturer, if properly certified.
Taking input from other systems adds granularity to what is already a very dispersed system. Linking environmental sensors, cameras and other technology is more about features and benefits — and this is where knowledge of system value becomes important.
An Analogy: The Smartphone
A good analogy is that of the smartphone. We all have one and generally only use a small percentage of its features. However, when the next generation is launched, we all want it. It’s better than what we have, and we feel we must have it. Unfortunately, phones are also fashion items, so we need to ignore that aspect for the moment.
We already know we aren’t pushing the capability of our devices, so why do we need the latest device? Why upgrade?
Firstly, good marketing plays a big part in the decision process. Secondly, we assume that if it’s new, then it must be better and will give us some net benefit or feature we couldn’t live without.
Upgrading for the sake of upgrading isn’t sustainable. If you’re of a certain vintage, you may remember buying a replacement battery for your old Nokia phone. Now you can’t even change a screen without invalidating the warranty.
Unlike a phone, buildings don’t need the latest technology — they need to be optimised. The Oxford English Dictionary defines optimisation as “make the best or most effective use of”.
Your current phone can often be optimised to work as effectively as a new one, but we don’t generally consider this. Manufacturers have in the past built in obsolescence into firmware so you cannot download the latest operating system, effectively limiting product life.
This is changing. The point is that we need to design with flexibility, enable convergence, and put in place procedures to optimise what we already have.
All systems are compromises — lighting and building control are no different.
Today we can share data in a way that allows a camera or environmental sensor to make decisions on how a space is being used. Converging these technologies saves money in the long term and ultimately reduces carbon footprint.
Nevertheless, there are occasions where we need to look at new and existing buildings in a slightly different light and work with incumbent technology to optimise what we have and what we are developing.
Specification needs to change, and the role of the installer and integrator needs to evolve. They have the ability to make a huge difference to building sustainability.
The Five Stages to Getting It Right
Stage 1 – Hardware
Stage one must be to get the hardware right. Drivers, sensors, switches and emergency lighting — whether wired or wireless — need to be based on published standards to ensure interoperability. Freedom of choice on hardware is essential to protect the supply chain and give confidence to building users and owners.
Contractors also benefit, as they can negotiate and secure the best price based on a known benchmark of quality.
Stage 2 – Convergence of Services
Stage two is about reviewing services and identifying where platforms can converge. Review the benefits of convergence. This may favour a BMS over lighting in some applications, so knowledge of both is essential. Integration can take many forms, and sharing functionality does not necessarily exclude any single solution.
Stage 3 – Software
Stage three is software — ensuring the right solution is in place so data can be shared from multiple vendors and systems. This enables dashboards and, in the future, AI to make decisions that optimise control.
Stage 4 – Continuous Commissioning
Stage four is continuous commissioning and maintenance to ensure each service works as intended. When conditions change, the system should adapt, learn patterns and adjust parameters to achieve efficiency.
Stage 5 – Data
Stage five is data. This is why convergence matters. A snapshot of lighting, daylight, temperature, CO2 and more provides business-critical information. This allows businesses to review operations and scale accordingly. Knowledge is powerful — the more we know and can share, the more we improve sustainability for both building and business.
Conclusion
In summary, technology is a powerful tool that helps deliver sustainable building control. With the right approach, it can add value to a landlord’s rental, a contractor’s service and a manufacturer’s product — provided we design for the long term and use technology as a service towards sustainability.