Intelligent Building Technologies
Energy effective systems balance a building’s electric light,
daylight and mechanical systems for maximum benefit.
Enhanced lighting design is more than an electrical layout. It must
consider the needs and schedules of occupants, seasonal and climatic
daylight changes, and its impact on the building’s mechanical
systems
Lighting Systems
Adding daylight to a building is one way to achieve an energy effective
design. Natural daylight harvesting can make people happier, healthier,
and more productive. And with the reduced need for electric light,
a great deal of money can be saved on energy. Nearly every commercial
building is a potential energy saving project, where the electric
lighting systems can be designed to be dimmed with the availability
of daylight. Up to 75% of lighting energy consumption can be saved.
In addition, by reducing electric lighting and minimizing solar heat
gain, controlled lighting can also reduce a building’s air conditioning
load.
Environmental - Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
Greenhouse gas emission reductions are due to decreases in energy
use. This should continue to reduce further as higher energy savings
are realised.
Legislation and environmental standards, safety regulations, and
indoor air quality standards are a potentially strong element in favour
of this technology.
Government Initiatives from the Carbon Trust also allow Enhanced
Capital Allowance (ECA) on taxation on energy efficient systems saving
around 30% of all equipment and associated install / design cost.
Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme
- Announced by Chancellor Gordon Brown in November 1999 Pre-Budget
report
- Businesses can claim 100% first year capital allowances on investments
in qualifying energy saving technologies
- Businesses can write off whole cost of investment against taxable
profits
- Scheme is developed by DEFRA and the Inland Revenue and managed
and promoted by Carbon Trust
- Scheme initiates carbon savings
- Provides fiscal incentive to users
- Energy efficient equipment can potentially provide savings through
future energy bills
- Ordinary capital allowances can save £7.50 for every £100
spent per annum (assuming company pays tax on profits)
- 100% first year allowances save £30 for every £100
spent (Assuming company pays tax on profits at 30%)
- All allowances due in the first year, therefore greatest effects
of the scheme are on cash flow.
