Projects
Baptist Community Services enGauge
Baptist Community Services (BCS) are committed to the environment. mySmart CTI recently installed the enGauge solution into the Shalom Centre located an Marsfield and also into the Warena Centre at Bangor.
Since its inception in 1944, Baptist Community Services have grown to become one of the largest providers of residential and in-home aged care in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. BSC have more than 20 residential care facilities and thousands of other residents receiving care in their own homes.
BCS understand the importance of 'home' while empowering people to maximise their independence, whatever their age or stage of life. Aging in place, as it commonly known is provided using readily available technologies that not only offer a safe, comfortable environment, but actively monitor the resident. For more information please visit http://www.bcs.org.au/AgeCare/AgeFriendlyHome.aspx
In both locations the requirement was simple, provide accurate usage information on the energy consumption in the kitchens and laundry. These are the two largest energy users and before any savings can be plans or made, BCS needed to know how much they were using and when it was being used.
mySmart CTI installed the enGauge data acquisition server at each site and those sites communicate over the existing BCS IP network. Class 1 split core CT integrated power meters and split core branch circuit power meters were installed in switchboards to monitor the kitchens and laundries.
The enGauge data acquisition servers read the meters in real time and store the results locally. The stored usage information is then transmitted every 15 minutes to the enGauge off-site server farm which stores the data in an SQL Database. BCS can then log in to the mySmartCTI enGauge web portal to access the accurate usage information. This is available in various time scales and can be exported to Excel.
The system is now to be expanded to include other utilities that to ensure these sites are operating at peak efficiency.
Crowne Plaza Melbourne installs enGauge
Crowne Plaza Melbourne has installed mySmart’s enGauge screen to provide its employees and customers with visibility into real-time and historical energy-usage data from across the hotel.
Crowne Plaza Melbourne has been selected as one of the first businesses to trial enGauge, a ‘sustainability indicator’ which allows the hotel to visually share its sustainability strategy. enGauge, provided by mySmart, a supplier of energy and resource-efficient solutions for building environments, is the latest tool used in the implementation of the hotel’s wider sustainability strategy, the focus of which is driving down energy use.
Via animated slides, the portable enGauge screen displays real-time statistical data on a building’s use of energy, gas, water; its generation of waste; and its carbon emissions. In addition, it displays historical use and targets, as well as practical tips on ways to reduce usage. The information is provided is a simple format and segmented by various areas within the hotel, so it can be used by both guests and hotel staff to assess where they need to improve.
Robin Power, Area Chief Engineer, Crowne Plaza Melbourne, said: “We have already had a great deal of positive feedback from our guests regarding our enGauge screen. As we live in an era when caring for the environment is important to most people, customers are pleased to see hard evidence that Crowne Plaza Melbourne and our own staff are very serious about reducing the impact that a building and business such as ours can have on our surroundings. Our employees also find it rewarding to see the results of all their sustainability efforts.”
Hotel management mandated that enGauge be installed prior to the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, to enable the public display of energy reduction achievements. Crowne Plaza Melbourne has made a public commitment to sustainability, and was recently recognised internationally with ‘Green Globe Bronze’, a world-wide benchmarking and certification programme which facilitates sustainable management and operations. It was also awarded the Victorian state award for ‘Environmental Best Practice Hotel of the Year’ by the Australian Hotel Association.
Crowne Plaza Melbourne also uses in-room energy management solutions and digital thermostats provided by mySmart, which enable automatic control of utilities including air conditioning when guests are away from their rooms. As part of the hotel’s wider energy-saving initiatives, these solutions have contributed to a saving of $50,000 in annual utility costs.
Scott Warren, Managing Director, mySmart, said the enGauge display was a catalyst for behavioural change. “The display options are such that the hotel has the ability to provide further information for various areas and functionality within the hotel. This can create a healthy competition between different groups within an organisation, as they strive to reduce energy consumption and make a positive impact on their work environment. Employees are then more likely to maintain positive changes outside their workplace, which all helps – lots of small changes make the world of difference,” Warren said.
“Crowne Plaza Melbourne is making great headway in the areas of power and waste reduction and many of our sister hotels are watching and learning from us,” Power said. “Having enGauge in our hotel is already creating interest not only from our guests; we are even getting subtle enquiries from other hotels and businesses, keen to find out our secrets.”
For further information or an interview with mySmart or Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne contact:
Ellie Shaddick, Howorth - www.howorth.com.au
Phone: +61 2 8281 3834 or 0415 900 980 Email - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Lauren Sewell, Howorth
Phone: +61 2 8281 3804 or 0457 605 706 Email - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
mySmart enGauge Ogilvy House
The launch of enGauge @ Ogilvy House in St Leonards, Sydney coincided with a CitySwitch Cafe Series Event for CitySwitch signatories which was held at Ogilvy House on 17 September, 2009.
The CitySwitch Green Office is a national tenant energy management program run in partnership between the cities of Sydney, North Sydney, Parramatta and Willoughby as well as other local councils from around Australia.
The CitySwitch program encourages commercial office tenants to do their bit to reduce the climate change impact of office buildings in Australia's CBDs by demonstrating leadership and taking action.
The enGauge screen is installed in the foyer of Ogilvy House in full view of clients, staff and guests visiting the building. At the City Switch event it was exciting to see so much interest in the panel which displays real time information on energy use and performance in a friendly way to all that visit Ogilvy House.
The system has been such a success it is now being expanded beyond the initial two floors to encompass the whole building.