Problem addressed

How to ensure that energy only goes to areas where people are present, switching off lights, A/C and heating where not needed and ensuring spaces are optimised to adequately serve the right number of people, saving both money and energy. 

This solution was sourced in response to one of UKGBC’s past challenges on ‘Linking Building Occupancy to Energy Use’.

Solution overview

The Ubiqisense smart sensors solution provides actionable insights on behavioural patterns and space utilisation. Smart vision-based Internet of Things sensors are installed inside buildings to detect people and objects. High granularity and precision enable the collection of data on room occupancy and utilisation. In the cloud, data is stored and analysed, then can be accessed and visualised via a cloud-based analytics portal or pulled into external systems where it can be leveraged and operationalised.

Ubiqisense monitors building occupancy to inform services such as lighting and HVAC, while enabling greater control over the building using Internet of Things technologies. Data findings can therefore be used to determine whether a property could be more energy efficient. By integrating UbiqiSense into existing systems, it is possible to locate any energy-saving potentials, such as where heating or airconditioning systems are being used unnecessarily, perhaps in infrequently used meeting rooms.

Cost benefit

Ubiqisense employs a sensing-as-a-service business model and typically quote a space optimisation of between 15-25%, and potential energy savings of 25%, with return on investment depending on cost per m2. Subscription tiers range from €299-499/sensor, and include gateway, all features, access to dashboard, API, monthly reports and BMS integration, as well as 18 months subscription and support. After 18 months, there is a 25% annual charge. 1 sensor can cover a meeting room or up to 8 desks. Pre-COVID Ubiqisense usually optimise between 15-25% of space, so ROI depends on cost of m2.

Case study

Ubiqisense worked with Aarhus University in Denmark to monitor the use of staff meeting rooms, study rooms, project rooms and auditoriums to understand utilisation patterns, occupancy, and demand. This data was used by the university to feed directly into their management strategies by better understanding demand for space, as well as to optimise energy use by releasing rooms where occupancy was not as expected.