K E A Q u a r t e r ly
Cases
Nicolai Gram Hansen
Architectu r al Tech nology a n d Construction M a nagement stu dent at KEA
Nicolai Gram Hansen would like to take better care of the environment. That’s why he took his first steps as an entrepreneur to create a water meter for use in the shower.
W
hen Nicolai Gram Hansen started renovating his house four years ago, he came up with an idea: why not make a digital water meter built into the shower head that can track water consumption? He did not share his idea with anyone until three years later. He enrolled in the Architectural Technology and Construction Management programme at KEA, where a project week on sustainable initiatives provided the perfect opportunity. Nicolai is environmentally aware and wants to create products that appeal to conscious consumers – products that encourage people to think about what they are doing in the moment rather than when they receive the bill. “Hopefully when you are confronted by the fact that 25 litres of water flow out of your shower in the seven minutes you spend there, you will feel
–090–
motivated to shorten your shower to five minutes and only use 20 litres,” he says. “It’s better for the environment as well as your wallet.” The water meter was very well received by his teachers and fellow students at KEA. So well, in fact, that Nicolai Gram Hansen was encouraged to go further with his idea. And here lay the first challenge. “The problem is that two Spanish brothers have already patented an invention that resembles mine,” says Nicolai. They have not yet developed any product, but Hansen is aware that they could use their patent to halt his project. As an entrepreneur taking his first steps, Nicolai is pleased with the support and guidance he has received from KEA. For example, he has spoken with another entrepreneur who encouraged him to get going on the project – and to think about contacting the Spanish brothers. “I have to admit that I am a bit nervous about it. But on the other hand,
– 0 91 –
it may be that we can work together to develop something even better.” There are many factors to consider when attempting to create something new. For Hansen, the greatest challenge is making a prototype of the water meter, which requires technical knowledge of mixer taps and flow meters – areas in which he lacks expertise. Here he must team up with manufacturers and plumber friends. But he is well on his way. The water meter has been named Attentive and is currently entered in Energi Danmark’s competition, which offers a prize of DKK 100,000 to the best energy- and environment-friendly idea. Nicolai is awaiting notification of whether the water meter is among the ten finalists. “Winning would be a huge pat on the back and increase focus on the importance of conserving water. And just think, I might have created something that will become a standard part of our homes. That would be amazing.”