The magazine for SAUTER customers
Focus topic
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
FM trends
New challenges, sustainable solutions
Six references
Projects from SAUTER in Serbia, Belgium, Germany, France, the Netherlands and from Emtec in Scotland
Dear Customers and Business Partners, Dear Readers,
Have you ever wondered how many hours you spend indoors each day? Especially in winter, we spend about 90 percent of our time inside. This means buildings are much more than just shelters, they are our main habitat. Successful construction projects always focus on people – fully demonstrated in this issue of SAUTER FACTS.
The revised EU Building Directive was published this spring. It has put the spotlight of national legislation on the health, well-being and productivity of building users. The requirements will be met through new standards for indoor environmental quality (IEQ). What this means in practical terms, you can find out on pages 4–5.
In this issue we want to introduce you to two key IEQ topics. We will show you the role that air quality (p. 6–9) and light quality (p. 10–13) play in building comfort and energy efficiency.
The Internet of Things also plays a part in improving the well-being and comfort of users in buildings. By integrating networked sensors, devices and systems, buildings can intelligently respond to the needs and preferences of residents. MQTT offers a simple route into the Internet of Things. You can find out what it's all about from page 14.
Following these more technical topics, this issue provides a more personal aspect. In our interview, Martin Miller from SAUTER FM explains the current challenges and trends in facility management.
Our reference projects illustrate how our solutions have been put into practice. We are delighted to present you with a varied selection of references. They include projects from our branches in Serbia, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and France as well as our Scottish subsidiary, Emtec.
I thank you for your interest in our customer magazine and wish you an inspiring read!
Yours,
Werner Karlen, CEO
Three letters play a key role in the revision of the EU Building Directive (EPBD) published by the European Parliament on 8 May 2024: IEQ. The acronym stands for indoor environmental quality and handles the factors that affect the health, comfort and productivity of building users – while always keeping the European goal of maximum energy efficiency in mind. SAUTER is implementing the new standards with intelligent solutions.
With the European Green Deal, the EU has tasked itself with becoming climate neutral by 2050. A major component of the associated "Fit for 55" package –designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55% from 1990 levels by 2030 – is the review of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). This focusses particularly on Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ).
BECAUSE BUILDINGS ARE MADE FOR PEOPLE.
Because buildings are built for people and used by people, the EU Parliament has now imposed rules meaning that energy efficiency cannot be disengaged from indoor environmental quality. In other words, a verified energy appraisal is only possible if the energy expenditure needed to achieve certain interior parameters is known.
By reworking the EPBD, the EU Parliament has not only ensured that indoor environmental quality must be considered, it has also created the conditions for incorporating IEQ standards into national building energy legislation including Germany's Gebäudeenergiegesetz (GeG), France's Réglementation Thermique 2012 (RT 2012) and Italy's Decreto Ministeriale 26 giugno 2015 – also known as the Decreto Requisiti Minimi
New European standard for both clarity and latitude
The EN 16798-1 standard has been updated. IEQ parameters can now be specified and categorised according to the new requirements. EU Member States are also given the freedom to define their own criteria within a fixed framework. This new standard detailing the general conditions for IEQ comes with a national annex, thereby ensuring that it applies to all EU Member States. This synchronises the demands of the European standard with national regulations.
Sustainably better health and productivity
Air quality, temperature, light, humidity, noise level and occupancy density are just a few of the factors that influence IEQ and hence the European sustainability goal. Studies and certification systems – such as the WELL Building Standard developed in the USA – have demonstrated that good indoor environmental quality can improve health and comfort. It can also increase the productivity of building users and significantly reduce operating costs. Programmes like WELL, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and DGNB (a German quality seal for sustainable building) are therefore additional aids for architects and investors during the planning and management stages of ecological and economic construction projects.
SAUTER solutions for successful IEQ integration
In this issue, we will present two important IEQ topics in greater detail: air quality and light quality. On the following pages, you will see how SAUTER's intelligent solutions help achieve these energy-efficient air and light qualities that meet the highest IEQ requirements.
EN 16798-1 IN A NUTSHELL
The EN 16798-1 standard sets out requirements for the interior environment and energy efficiency of buildings. It also highlights the importance of good indoor environmental quality for the health, productivity and comfort of building users. The following main aspects are covered:
Thermal environment
Specifications for heated and cooled buildings with operational temperatures and criteria for local thermal comfort established.
Air quality, humidity and ventilation Guidelines for humidifying and dehumidifying indoor air and stipulations for minimum ventilation rates based on perceived air quality and concentration limits.
Lighting
Definition of illuminance levels in different room types with goals for daylight and artificial lighting.
Acoustics
Criteria for permitted sound levels in different areas of buildings.
The standard aids compliance with Directive 2010/31/EU on the overall energy efficiency of buildings and other European and international standards such as EN 12464 (lighting), EN ISO 7730 (thermal comfort) and EN ISO 52000-1 (energy efficiency of buildings).
CO Sensors 2
FOR HEALTHY INDOOR AIR AND ENERGY-EFFICIENT BUILDING OPERATION
In times of increasing awareness about air quality and energy efficiency, monitoring the indoor carbon dioxide concentration plays a central part. Here we present CO2 sensors from SAUTER that allow demand-based ventilation, thus optimising energy consumption while ensuring healthy air inside the building.
Current relevance
The key indicator of room air quality is the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2). In recent years, far greater attention has been paid to the importance of measuring CO2. This is due mainly to its effect on indoor air quality and the health of room users. The coronavirus pandemic further underlined the significance of proper ventilation, making CO2 monitoring a critical factor in indoor health and safety protocols. This is because we now know that the spread of viruses depends on their concentration in the air that we inhale and the period of exposure. It has been shown that CO2 concentration is an optimal reference value for aerosol and virus concentration.
The main strategy for lowering CO2 levels in indoor areas is through ventilation using fresh outside air. Mechanical ventilation systems and filtration technologies help reduce CO2 and other harmful air pollutants. These measures are crucial for the health and productivity of people in buildings.
Can health and energy efficiency actually go hand in hand?
Since the pandemic, the focus has shifted toward energy efficiency. The current revision of EU directives on overall energy performance provides an opportunity to take both health and energy into account. The question arises, however, as to whether there are conflicting objectives between maintaining healthy air quality indoors and reducing the energy consumption of buildings. The reason for this is that new and refurbished buildings are now largely airtight in order to minimise heat loss.
Mechanical ventilation systems are a key factor in lowenergy buildings and passive houses for counteracting the downsides of vastly improved building insulation. This is achieved by sophisticated ventilation control systems through high-quality sensors, supplying plenty of fresh air and reducing levels of harmful substances. Demand-controlled ventilation means constantly adapting the amount of outside air supplied to actual requirements. In other words, only the exact air quantity required is supplied and conditioned (heated, cooled, humidified or dehumidified) at any given moment. The aim is to optimise the ventilation system equally in terms of user comfort and energy efficiency.
Measuring the CO2 concentration through sensors is therefore essential. Better air quality increases safety, comfort and efficiency – especially in rooms with differing occupancy levels such as meeting rooms or training rooms. There are various methods for measuring CO2 and a large number of products are available. Different CO2 sensors are used and include semiconductor, electrochemical and infrared sensors.
CO2 sensor requirements
No matter the measuring process, the following requirements apply to all CO2 sensors for providing demand-controlled ventilation:
Accuracy
Exact, reliable readings over long periods with low susceptibility to interference are essential. Frequent sensor calibration to ensure consistent results could be a challenge for widespread application and even deter from choosing a particular product.
Security of investment
High long-term stability always pays off. The lesser the maintenance expense and need for recalibration, the lower the life cycle costs.
Integration capability
Building management systems (BMS) allow the complex relationships and dependencies during operation to be effectively recorded, displayed and analysed. They can then be optimised so as to achieve the best possible energy efficiency while ensuring maximum user comfort at the same time. Integrating CO2 sensors in BMS can be complex, particularly if different communication protocols are used, for example.
The main problems with faulty devices are measurement errors caused by dust, dirt, rapid ageing and temperature and humidity fluctuations. Frequent readjustments make the devices even costlier.
WHAT EFFECT DOES CO2 HAVE ON US?
CO2 is naturally present in the Earth's atmosphere and is, in part, a by-product of breathing by humans and animals. The CO2 concentration can increase considerably if several people are in an enclosed room and the ventilation is inadequate. High CO2 levels can impair cognitive function and productivity, causing, in severe cases, health problems such as headaches, dizziness, restlessness and difficulty with breathing.
CO2 sensors with NDIR dual-beam measurement
NDIR (non-dispersive infrared) technology utilises the property of CO2 molecules to absorb infrared light at a certain wavelength. Dual-beam CO2 sensors use two measurement channels – one with a filter for CO2 measurement, the other with a filter for a reference spectrum. The reference measurement enables automatic compensation for when measuring conditions change and the light source ages. With the measuring accuracy of dual-beam CO2 sensors constantly high, they are ideally suited for all applications and building types.
Room transducers, EGQ 220 and 222
The comprehensive range of room transducers for measuring temperature, humidity, VOCs and CO2 have recently received a new, timeless design.
CO2 sensors with photoacoustic NDIR measurement
The photoacoustic sensor principle works by sending a light signal that is absorbed by the CO2 molecules. This generates molecular vibrations, in other words energy, which in turn produces a pressure wave inside the measuring chamber. This is measured with a microphone. This acoustic wave vibrates proportionally to the CO2 concentration. These sensors are mechanically robust and enable greater miniaturisation.
Smart Sensor viaSens, FMS 116 and 196
The Smart Sensor viaSens is a true all-rounder. It measures VOCs, temperature, humidity, brightness, occupancy and sound level –and now also CO2. It also features an animated LED ring, Bluetooth technology and MQTT.
High-quality integrated solutions from SAUTER
The method predominantly used for sensors in building technology is infrared spectroscopy. The measuring system consists of a light source, measuring section, optical filter and receiver. The filter lets through light on a wavelength specifically absorbed by CO2. The signal received therefore changes, depending on the CO2 concentration in the air.
Accurate and stable control calls for high-quality sensors. SAUTER CO2 sensors can be used everywhere and tick all the boxes for a precision measuring system – including long-term temperature stability, lasting reliability and rapid measurement and response times.
Clear and tangible benefits
As awareness grows and technology improves, it is likely that buildings and facilities will increasingly employ CO2 monitoring as standard. This will ensure not only a healthy and pleasant environment, but also energyefficient, demand-based building technology.
As an added bonus, monitoring also yields economic advantages. With air quantity reduced by 20% to meet the actual demand, electric drive power drops by almost 50%. This leveraging means that adding CO2 sensors to the ventilation system quickly pays for itself. According to VDMA 24773, fitting sensors in various building types offers potential savings of up to 70%.
The physical properties of buildings, technology system components used and building automation system all play their part in maximising energy efficiency and air quality. The best results are produced when they are combined and interact seamlessly. Integrated solutions from a single source are the most effective way to achieve this.
Further information on the Smart Sensor viaSens can be found on our website!
INTELLIGENT LIGHTING CONTROL
More than just light
Intelligent lighting control plays a key role in reducing energy consumption and increasing comfort in buildings. We put the spotlight on the latest developments, requirements and products that not only save energy, but also enhance comfort for building users.
The EU aims to achieve a zero-emission building stock by 2050. Lighting control is a fundamental part of this project due to the high proportion of energy consumed in buildings by lighting. A number of guidelines have been adopted for this, including compliance with ESG criteria (Environmental, Social, Governance), the EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive) and the EED (Energy Efficiency Directive)
Saving energy, increasing comfort
The new version of the EPBD, which came into force at the end of May 2024, calls for the installation of automatic lighting control systems in non-residential buildings by 31 December 2027. Solutions with energy-saving and comfort-enhancing functions, such as occupancy detection and zoning, are in demand.
Occupancy detection systems use presence sensors and motion sensors to detect the movement of people in buildings. This provides information about actual room occupancy and energy usage can be adjusted accordingly. Lights can be switched or dimmed automatically, for example, based on the daylight available and whether anyone is in the room or not.
Zoning is another function yielding energy savings and increasing comfort. Here, a building is divided into various independent zones that are controlled in line with their use and occupancy.
Lighting concepts and how they work
We humans and our biorhythms have always been influenced by light. As studies showed back in the 1970s, light – and not just natural daylight – greatly improves our well-being and boosts productivity. Providing optimal lighting is essential in buildings and a key factor in the indoor environmental quality standard (IEQ, see page 4).
Besides constant light control, intelligent solutions for regulating lights allow concepts such as Human Centric Lighting (HCL) to be implemented. Communicative lighting control solutions, devices with DALI interfaces, for example, are ideal for delivering these lighting concepts.
HUMAN CENTRIC LIGHTING
The Human Centric Lighting concept provides room occupants with light of the optimum brightness and colour at all times. By automatically adjusting the brightness and shade, the light can mimic the daylight over the course of the day. This increases wellbeing, promotes health and improves concentration and performance.
DALI
DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) enables each single light source to be individually addressed and controlled. The illumination can therefore be adapted flexibly to users' needs and ambient conditions. The universal capability to integrate motion and light sensors also helps to save energy with automatic application control. This makes an important contribution to fulfilling ESG criteria and EPBD stipulations. Alongside enhanced functions for operating devices, the cross-manufacturer DALI-2 standard also defines the requirements for controllers and sensors. These are in line with the international IEC 62386 series of standards.
Holistic concept, smart implementation
At SAUTER, lighting control solutions are part of the integrated room automation concept. The concept includes heating, ventilation and air-conditioning as well as lighting and shading – all working in harmony to ensure the best possible energy efficiency and comfort.
In hot weather, for example, automatic air conditioning control keeps indoor temperatures down, always adapting to the prevailing temperature situation. At the same time, automated shading systems such as blinds and awnings work in conjunction with the air conditioning control system to maintain a constant room temperature. This also ensures a pleasantly lit workplace by preventing glare from the sun and reduces the energy required for cooling. The automated lighting adapts the colour of the light to the natural course of the day (tunable white), thereby fostering well-being (Human Centric Lighting).
Energy efficiency and comfort with ecos and viaSens
SAUTER ecos is a versatile room automation system for integrating automatic control of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting in rooms. This integration avoids the use of artificial lighting when rooms are unoccupied or sufficient daylight is available. There is also no unwanted heating of rooms due to the sun shining in. Integration offers distinct advantages for the air conditioning too, i.e. rooms are no longer simultaneously cooled (e.g. by ventilation) and heated (e.g. by radiators).
Automation
The ecos504/505 room automation station now features the latest functional enhancements of DALI-2. DALI-2 sensors and buttons can therefore be efficiently integrated and additional energy consumption, diagnostics and maintenance data read from operating devices. Emergency and safety lights can also be incorporated.
Montioring
The innovative SAUTER viaSens records temperature, humidity, room air quality, presence, noise level and also brightness. Together with the SAUTER ecos, the multi-sensor immediately detects whether the light intensity needs to be adjusted to the changing sunlight. This allows dynamic constant light control. The smart sensor employs presence detection to record actual room use. Instead of rigid time programmes, lighting conditions are regulated as required. The viaSens multisensor can assume the role of gateway, acting as the interface to the integrated room automation from SAUTER. Its simple incorporation allows flexible use of buildings and precise control of individual or multiple room zones.
Integration
Thanks to standardised communication protocols (BACnet, DALI, MQTT), SAUTER ecos and viaSens are easy to install in building management systems. SAUTER's integrated room automation solution minimises energy consumption and enables precise control of factors influencing comfort.
THE EASY ROUTE INTO THE INTERNET OF THINGS
IoT applications offer attractive options for increasing efficiency and comfort in building and room automation. An ideal communication protocol for this is MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) –as long as its strengths are utilised and weaknesses are compensated. SAUTER's intelligent IoT-capable solutions show exactly how this is done.
Open communication protocols are the backbone of modern building and room automation. As new technological possibilities come to the fore, the requirements for the protocols and their diversity also evolve. MQTT, one of the newer-generation protocols, is now viewed as the most important open protocol for IoT applications. The strengths of MQTT are played out especially in efficient communication, data-intensive applications, remote monitoring and control as well as cloud integration. It is also a powerful addition to established building automation protocols such as BACnet, KNX, DALI and Modbus.
Lightweight but packing a punch
MQTT was specifically developed for use in networks with limited bandwidth and high latency – a key constraint in many IoT networks and when integrating cloud systems. It is because of its simple structure that MQTT is so lightweight. It calls on far fewer resources than other protocols to manage and transmit messages. This low overhead also enables numerous devices and systems to be run efficiently. It is particularly beneficial for equipment with limited resources, such as sensors and microcontrollers. This results in broad scalability, making MQTT ideally suited to decentralised structures. Other advantages include excellent reliability due to different service quality levels for different data types, encrypted data transfer via TLS and options for integration in existing systems.
Communication by subscription
This lightweight, efficient and dependable principle stems from the publish-subscribe architecture. There is no direct communication between clients (subscribers). A broker is used as an intermediary instead. MQTT clients can act as both publishers (data providers) and subscribers (data recipients). When the value of a client changes, it sends the new data to the broker. At the same time, it can subscribe to the broker for data from other clients on specific topics. It is also sent the information if a relevant value changes. The eventdriven principle streamlines network resource use.
Topics can be freely designed by the application designer or automatically generated by the publishing client. The subscribing MQTT clients must thus adapt flexibly to the specific topics or applications.
BACnet and MQTT –a powerful team for building and room automation
The flexibility of MQTT is a mixed blessing. The topics and data information (payloads) are not standardised on the application level. This leads to challenges regarding interoperability and data interpretation.
SAUTER therefore employs a combination of the tried-and-tested and the new. SAUTER uses BACnet as a uniform data source. It automatically generates MQTT topics with clearly defined MQTT payloads in the JSON data format (JavaScript Object Notation). SAUTER thus combines the advantages of both protocols. Standardised BACnet objects are converted into structured MQTT topics. This ensures a consistent data structure allowing seamless integration of IoT and cloud-based solutions.
Centralised management of buildings
An example of this could be multiple premises managed centrally by SAUTER's cloud-based building management system, Vision Services. Here, SAUTER modulo 6 automation stations provide the necessary MQTT interfaces in the buildings. Each station offers both client functionality for supplying the measurement data and broker functionality (B) for transferring the data. The stations using BACnet communication as standard automatically restructure BACnet objects into the JSON data format (payload) and transmit them with MQTT.
Room operation via smartphone
The SAUTER ecos-IoT room automation stations also speak MQTT. ecos-IoT is a programmable BACnet server with integrated BACnet/MQTT gateway. It enables, for instance, building users to perform room operations – such as adjusting setpoints or switching and dimming lights – with a smartphone app. An ecos-IoT room controller in the building acts as the MQTT client, exchanging information via MQTT with the broker in the cloud (B). The room user's smartphone receives the automatically generated MQTT data from the broker (B).
ecos-IoT as client and broker
If using the cloud is not the preferred form of communication, brokers can be optionally integrated on room controllers. ecos-IoT room controllers are now both the client and broker – on an office floor, for example, where tablets are used as room operating units. The broker function allows the stations to transmit the measurement data directly to the tablets via MQTT. They can also send the user commands in the other direction, i.e. from the tablets to the room controllers.
NEW CHALLENGES, SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FM Trends
Martin Miller manages the takeover of properties for facility management in SAUTER Germany's SouthEast region. He is the main contact person for customers and is responsible for familiarising SAUTER FM's project managers with properties before handover. In our interview, Mr Miller provides insights into the importance of energy efficiency, flexible usage concepts and innovative environmental approaches in facility management.
SAUTER: Mr Miller, when a building is ready for handover, that's where you come in. How would you rate the quality level of new buildings currently?
Miller: Overall, we're on the right track, but there's definitely still room for improvement in energy efficiency in the operation of many buildings.
Where do you still see a need for improvement?
Many building owners continue to think that facility management begins when a newly constructed or refurbished building is handed over for use. People often forget that most of the costs aren't incurred during the construction phase but when a building is utilised. That's why facility management should be involved as early as the development and planning of the site. This is because facility managers know from many years of practical experience where the operating costs mainly arise – and how they can be reduced by taking action early on in the planning phase.
How do you take a systematic approach to this?
Ideally based on the GEFMA 116 guideline* on facility management during planning and construction. The new guideline, incidentally, is also a key winner as regards ESG.
*GEFMA 116
GEFMA stands for German Facility Management Association. With ten topic areas and 77 focus topics, their new guideline GEFMA 116 predominantly helps builders, planners and facility managers develop an integrated process for planning, construction and operation. In each phase of the construction project, it flags up the all-important topics for a property's successful life cycle.
Where is consulting most needed?
In the energy sector. Heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting are much more expensive now than five years ago. There's also the ongoing change in usage structures that I mentioned before. Facility managers have to keep a keen eye on this. Otherwise, you may end up heating rooms for no reason whatsoever or a meeting room is too cold for a conference because it was scheduled at short notice. Back when energy was cheap, this wasn't a big deal. Everywhere was simply heated with no second thoughts given to the cost. You can't do that any more – times have changed.
What has changed in day-to-day facility management?
A great deal. Thanks to building automation, stateof-the-art technical equipment (ventilation and airconditioning systems, various heat generation facilities, electrical installations) and looking after the many safety-relevant systems (fire alarms, sprinklers, safety lighting etc.), the traditional tasks of a caretaker, such as opening and locking up or changing light bulbs, no longer constitute the main job. Today's facility manager isn't so much a handyman but a consultant on all technical matters in the building. The focus is far more on managing the work rather than actually carrying it out. This is performed by specialist contractors or our own technicians. The facility manager is the first port of call and main contact person for the tenants.
Where do new challenges lie?
Today, as a facility manager, the key attribute is being flexible – just as modern building use is flexible. 20-year leases and nine-to-five occupancy are no longer the norm. These days, buildings are rented by frequently changing tenants in highly flexible models. Workplaces are allocated by hot desking, project groups suddenly need more space, departments are restructured or working hours are less rigid. These constant changes mean that time and again, facility managers have to come up with customised solutions.
Have owners also taken this change on board?
Not quite yet. When it comes to saving energy, the owners largely only undertake the bare essentials and even often sell buildings unmodernised to save money. But this usually achieves the opposite.
Why's that?
Because the value of a property nowadays revolves around its energy efficiency and level of digitalisation. The demand for commercial space, especially offices, is declining. This is partly due to the ailing economy, but principally due to hot-desking and work-from-home concepts. This is good news for buyers and tenants because they can take their pick of the properties –and will, if in doubt, always opt for the energy-saving smart building. Anyone missing this mega-trend has to take big price drops on the chin. It's not uncommon for a building needing refurbishment to become a socalled "stranded asset", unable to be sold or leased.
How can this be prevented?
By asking someone who knows how it works. At SAUTER, we offer a whole host of measures for energyefficient facility management. They range from monitoring, energy consulting, planning and ROI calculation of efficiency measures, to financing and implementation through to commissioning management and ESG taxonomy-compliant reporting. Collecting the energy consumption data needed for a building requires systematic analysis and documentation with state-of-the-art software. We can help here too, with software solutions such as the amanteia tool, for example. This can be used to meet budget and decarbonisation targets.
What steps are building operators taking to make outdoor areas more eco-friendly and closer to nature?
Green roofs instead of tarmac, wildflower meadows instead of manicured lawns, goats instead of lawnmowers, bee hives and much more. Recently, for example, we had to contend with a plague of pigeons at an upmarket office building. In the past, a lot of money would have been spent putting up unsightly deterrents like spikes or pigeon nets on the facades. After talking to the customer, we deployed a falcon. This is an efficient way of keeping the pigeons away from the property. Nature's coming back, even in industrial zones. I think this is a wonderful development that should set an example.
What other important trends do you envisage?
Efficient, sustainable management is becoming increasingly important for many operators and users, and not simply for reasons of cost. They want to be in harmony with nature. This calls for new and creative ideas.
20 years of SAUTER FM
The construction industry is characterised by quicklychanging circumstances which repeatedly present it with challenges. During one such crisis, SAUTER Germany recognised the potential in facility management and successfully expanded its services portfolio. In 2004, the facility management division was spun off into the new subsidiary SAUTER FM GmbH whose operations are headed by Werner Ottilinger.
As an integrated system provider, SAUTER FM is an expert partner for its clients. It supplies bespoke solutions and services from the planning and implementation phases through to the entire utilisation and management stage of a property.
Technical plant engineering along with commercial, technical, infrastructural and energy-conscious facility management form the modules of our range of services.
www.sauter-fm.com
amanteia is a joint venture between SAUTER Germany and MeteoViva, a provider of smart data solutions. The cloud-based tool gives property decision-makers an instant overview of the decarbonisation path for the entire portfolio. It also calculates the optimal sequence of measures for achieving this. After just a few entries to record the buildings in the portfolio, amanteia delivers an initial assessment of the CO2 footprint based on location, use and building stock, as well as a projection of the development up to 2050. Numerous import options allow the addition of measurement, usage and building data so that the projection can be refined further.
www.amanteia.com CO
BMS INTEGRATION FOR Grundfos' LEED-certified factory
SAUTER Serbia played a pivotal role in successfully integrating Grundfos’ new MIXIT solution into the expanded factory in Indjija, Serbia. Grundfos aimed to double the size of its manufacturing plant while meeting rigorous sustainability goals. SAUTER’s expertise in seamlessly integrating HVAC technology with SAUTER Vision Center (SVC) became instrumental in achieving these objectives.
To scale up production of the latest generation of energyefficient circulator pumps, Grundfos Serbia embarked on a project to expand their manufacturing plant in Indjija. Established in 2013, the factory would almost double in size with the 17,600 m² extension project.
As with all Grundfos building projects, water- and energy-saving goals were clearly defined in line with the company’s sustainability ambitions. The new Grundfos MIXIT, an all-in-one mixing loop solution, should be instrumental in achieving these, along with LEED certification.
The solution
At the core of the new factory’s HVAC system, would be Grundfos MIXIT combined with high-efficiency Grundfos pumps, optimises energy performance with full control and real-time monitoring. Key to maximising efficiency and comfort was ensuring that the MIXIT solution would integrate and communicate seamlessly with the factory’s existing building management and integration platform, SAUTER Vision Center (SVC).
Within a single afternoon session, SAUTER developers fully comprehended the new technology, setting the stage for a smooth integration process. Over the subsequent six months, SAUTER successfully integrated nine MIXIT controllers of varying sizes into the SVC, employing Modbus RTU for communication. These controllers were strategically placed to manage underfloor heating, office radiators, and air handling units.
The result
Through SAUTER’s BMS integration, the factory's plant manager gained control over various parameters wirelessly, including temperature, flow, limiter functions, and more. This comprehensive control ensures optimal comfort for colleagues in all factory spaces, contributing to the overall success of the LEED Gold-certified factory.
The entire factory extension is now fully operational and certified LEED Gold, thereby meeting all the rigorous water- and energy-saving efficiency targets established in the planning phase. MIXIT was singled out by the certification organisation as a significant contributory factor in achieving this status. The project stands as a testament to the effectiveness of combining Grundfos technology with SAUTER’s expertise to achieve seamless system integration and operational efficiency.
Multiple parameters from Grundfos technology are easily integrated into the BMS, enabling total control of all components in a complex system that includes heat pumps, chillers, a geothermal field, dry coolers, heating, cooling, and a full array of circulator pumps.
SAUTER and Thersa
JOIN FORCES TO DELIVER INNOVATIVE HVAC SERVICE CONCEPT
Thersa, a Belgian specialist in heating, plumbing, ventilation and eco-energies, realises efficient and cost-conscious building management solutions. In collaboration with SAUTER, the company has established an impressive service concept.
Even in the digital era of building management, operators of smaller or medium-sized projects often question whether the costs for conversion, installation, operation and hosting of such building management systems (BMS) are affordable. However, adapted and cost-oriented solutions for smaller plants do exist. Belgian HVAC contractor Thersa aims to deliver databased building management of projects of all sizes. In 2023, Thersa teamed up with SAUTER Belgium to develop and implement a concept that allows them to provide smart building management services for all different needs.
The solution
The web-based integration platform SAUTER Vision Center (SVC) is the central element of the service concept. This comprehensive tool for building, energy and service management serves as the joint interface
for all data collected in the corresponding buildings. It also enables the comfortable and location-independent control, analysis and visualisation of all building functions. Thanks to the modular principle, SVC can be used for nearly all operator-specific requirements.
Thersa offers building operators software-as-a-service access by installing the system on company servers. Customers benefit from the full functionality without having to set up complex IT infrastructure. For the direct and location-independent provision of the SVC access, Thersa relies on SAUTER Remote Management, a service from the SAUTER Cloud that enables risk-free remote access to the application through user authentication and secure network connection.
On-premise data acquisition and communication with SVC is carried out via the SAUTER automation system modulo 6. This innovative system series stands for excellent performance with minimal space requirements. Due to its modular setup, it enables maximum configuration flexibility. The encrypted data transfer according to the safety standard BACnet Secure Connect (BACnet/SC) fulfils IT requirements regarding information security. On behalf of Thersa, SAUTER Belgium takes care of technical support and hence ensures the smooth operation of customer systems.
The result
The collaboration with SAUTER empowers Thersa to offer customised service concepts for various sectors and purposes of building usage. The high degree of individualisation of SAUTER solutions and the hosting of the SVC platform on Thersa servers make digital building management affordable for smaller and medium-sized project scopes. Several buildings – from a museum to a clinic and an exhibition centre – already benefit from these building management services.
BACnet/SC-secured building automation and SAUTER Remote Management provide Thersa's customers with a digital building management and service concept.
CLOUD-BASED
BUILDING MANAGEMENT
FOR THE SEETOR City Campus
A new urban neighbourhood is being built in the east of Nuremberg. It includes commercial rental units where SAUTER Vision Services and SAUTER Remote Management provide cloud-based building operation and enable secure remote system maintenance and optimisation.
The SEETOR City Campus has plenty to offer. It has residential space of various types for a wide range of tenants as well as a considerable commercial area. The SEETOR Offices provide 25,000 m2 of space for offices, shops and services, and were created by Germany's Sontowski & Partner Group, which specialises in real estate development. Between the buildings, there are green spaces to enjoy and the Wöhrder See lakeside recreation area is nearby.
The building automation must meet a wide range of requirements for this state-of-the-art campus concept. The cloud solution must provide direct access to plants and services while ensuring minimal and cost-effective outlay for operation.
SAUTER Germany was employed to engineer, install and commission the management system for the SEETOR Offices – and also to supply its own digital solutions.
The solution
SAUTER Vision Services are the central element of the BACnet network, which configures and controls communication between all the technical systems. SAUTER Vision Services provides a cost-efficient entry into the world of modern building management.
Building management and operators can access the building data at any time via HTTPS in the SAUTER Cloud. BACnet Secure Connect (BACnet/SC) ensures that the building network is protected. In addition to BACnet/SC-capable software, SAUTER also offers the new BACnet/SC router (modu630-RT) as hardware for adding encrypted communication to existing BACnet installations.
The solution is completed by SAUTER Remote Management. After the various systems are installed, commissioning technicians are usually called in to program the automation stations and assign the information points. With SAUTER Remote Management, many of these tasks can be carried out conveniently from the office or from home. Remote Management provides round-the-clock services for building automation, energy management, the associated IT infrastructure and software applications. This cloud-based service makes it easier to call in specialists and reduces the effort for subsequently fine-tuning the systems.
The result
In autumn 2023, the first rental units of the SEETOR Offices were completed as part of the extensive citywithin-a-city project. The solutions from the SAUTER Cloud live up to the customer's requirements in many ways.
The operating costs can be planned and billed over monthly or annual periods. Once the initial engineering phase has been completed, only recurring subscription fees are incurred. These include all expenses for the IT infrastructure, computers, hardware upgrades and software such as operating systems, databases and the application itself. Updates are available immediately and automatically.
Remote Management allows external service providers as well as building operators and facility management to benefit from a full range of service options via direct access to systems and applications. The resulting rapid response times and uninterrupted operation benefit the future tenants of offices and other spaces at the SEETOR City Campus.
52Nijmegen
FITTED WITH
THE SMART ACTUATOR SYSTEM
An iconic 18-floor building underwent modernisation in 2024, incorporating advanced SAUTER systems to enhance sustainability and flexibility. The renovation, featuring the Smart Actuator system, improved comfort level and energy consumption, aligning with the owner's sustainability goals.
This building is an iconic landmark of Nijmegen, a town in the east of the Netherlands. Named today after its location and the latitude on which it stands, 52Nijmegen is not your typical high-rise office building. The building has 18 floors and is 86 metres high. What makes it remarkable is the 10-degree bend in the facade.
Originally planned as a knowledge and innovation centre by Philips Semiconductors, the property has become a multi-tenant building offering over 25,000 m2 of lettable floor space comprising of laboratories, offices, meeting rooms, a bar and a restaurant. In 2017, the property was bought by Kadans Science Partner, which already owns three adjacent properties on the Novio Tech Campus, a high-tech and health hotspot.
The solution
When the building was completed in 2008, 52Nijmegen was already equipped with a SAUTER installation. In 2024, renovation work started to modernise the building with state-of-the-art technology. The renovation work is carried out by ReMe Techniek, a Dutch specialist in control technology and building management, who has maintained a good relationship with SAUTER Netherlands ever since its establishment in 2007.
After many years of faithful service, the originally fitted room control units of an earlier generation of SAUTER’s ecos room automation system as well as several faulty air valves had to be replaced. The replacement should continue to enable the flexible and diverse use of the building whilst also supporting new sustainability requirements, which are carried out in several phases.
For this purpose, SAUTER Netherlands presented the Smart Actuator for ball valves in combination with a clamp-on flow meter. A new ecos room automation station is at the centrepiece of the modular room automation. Communicating via BACnet, it integrates all room functions into the building management system implemented by ReMe Techniek.
The "Flowmeter - Smart Actuator combination" was extensively tested on-site and, after approval by the building owner, 738 solutions were installed. Thanks to the plug-in cabling with pre-assembled cables of the Smart Actuator system, the retrofitting required only one week per floor – without interrupting business activities in the building.
The result
ReMe Techniek and SAUTER Netherlands can look back on a successful project. The Smart Actuator system proved to be extremely suitable for the renovation and modernisation of the building. It required few constructional measures such as chopping and breaking. In a building where tenants are present, this is a huge advantage.
The combination of Smart Actuator for single room control together with the SAUTER ecos room automation system offers an expandable solution, thus a secure investment. This makes it ideal for both new and existing buildings. What’s more, the SAUTER solution supports 52Nijmegen’s owners' sustainability plans by offering the highest comfort level with optimal energy savings. This means that the field-level technology is equipped for further sustainability measures in the coming years. It also makes it possible to expand room automation with smart sensors. The Smart Actuator system provides a lot of flexibility for this endeavour.
Further applications of the Smart Actuator can be found on our website!
SUSTAINABLE AND INNOVATIVE MODERNISATION AT THE Pierre Charron
In the heart of Paris, a historic building has been completely refurbished and equipped with a technical innovation: the first heating and cooling system to use TTAP technology. The flagship project for sustainable building technology is supported by integrated room and building automation from SAUTER France.
The 8th arrondissement of Paris is home to upmarket housing, luxury hotels and international companies. It is centred on the world-famous Avenue des ChampsÉlysées with its elegant boutiques. It is also a hub of political life, being the location of the President’s official residence as well as embassies of seven G20 countries.
Since 2024, the district has also boasted an innovation for the building sector. A thoroughly renovated 18th-century property was revamped with a unique heating and cooling system. This is a world first: a non-public project regulating an entire building with the semiconductor-based TTAP technology (Terminal Treatment of Air with Peltier) developed by Halton and Phononic.
TTAP TECHNOLOGY
A Peltier element is an electronic component that, when electricity flows through it, transports heat from one side to the other. This causes one side of the element to become colder while the other gets hotter. The technology can be found in electric cool boxes, for example.
Halton and Phononic are the first in the world to deploy this technology in a large HVAC system. It allows just partially conditioned air to cool and heat the entire building based on the settings made by users. The companies state that the new approach provides superior operational efficiency and costs, seamless installation and unparalleled convenience for users. Savings are achieved, for example, because no cooling water networks are needed, and the chillers are smaller. With fewer moving parts, less maintenance is required. Another advantage is that, unlike conventional compressor coolers, TTAP air cooling is largely silent. Furthermore, cooling is performed without any refrigerants which, in the event of a leak, are hazardous to both people and the environment.
Light-filled spaces with a timeless design in a stylish mix of materials match the exclusive location in the heart of Paris.
The solution
The refurbishment was undertaken by Fayat Bâtiment, one of France's largest construction companies and long-standing customer of SAUTER France. The classic façade of the Pierre Charron was largely preserved but the inside was completely transformed. Spacious, light-filled offices and commercial areas were created, as were new stairwells and lifts. The roofs were redesigned, with additions of roof gardens and glasshouse.
SAUTER France was tasked with providing room climate control and HVAC integration in the building management system. The SAUTER ecos system is responsible for room automation. This controls not only the ventilation system but also other installations such as a weather station. Besides indoor climate and lighting (via DALI interface), sun shading is regulated automatically too. Presence and brightness sensors optimally adapt the light to building use. Individual daily programmes maximise comfort while minimising energy consumption.
SAUTER Vision Center delivers a comprehensive realtime overview of building operation, including detailed analyses and energy monitoring. The service contract with SAUTER France also offers secure external access
through remote management. Services for building automation, energy management, associated IT infrastructure and software applications are available round-the-clock.
The result
The building sector relies on technical innovations to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. The heating and cooling system built upon TTAP technology significantly improves the building efficiency of the Pierre Charron.
SAUTER dovetails all the building and room automation functions with the higher-level energy building and management system. This guarantees optimised, flexible and energy-efficient operation of the property.
The building has already been awarded BREAAM certification and the French HQE sustainability certificate – in both cases with the rating "Excellent".
EMTEC ENERGY DEVELOPS SOLAR PV SYSTEM FOR TÜV SÜD
Global technical services provider TÜV SÜD commissioned Emtec to develop a Solar PV system for their East Kilbride facility. Emtec Energy expertly managed every step from the initial consultation to the final installation and presented a solution already delivering impressive results after just a short period of operation.
TÜV SÜD is a global technical services provider in the industry, mobility and certification segments. The range of services covers testing, inspection, certification and training. The company is continuously investing in the modernisation and expansion of its global laboratory capacities in Europe, the Americas and Asia.
TÜV SÜD set itself ambitious goals to minimise carbonemission-related effects and one of the most important starting points is building operation. The transition from conventional to renewable energy is a first step.
The solution
At its National Engineering Laboratories in East Kilbride, near Glasgow, TÜV SÜD has opted for a solar installation on the rooftop. The state-of-the-art facilities are purpose-built to measure the flow of fluids including oil, gas and water. Natural daylight enters the interior of the massive building through skylights, a factor that had to be considered in the solar installation.
"We recently decided to install solar panels to reduce our energy costs and environmental footprint. After researching several companies, we chose Emtec for their outstanding reputation and competitive pricing", says John McCutcheon, Facility Manager at TÜV SÜD East Kilbride. The team at Emtec Energy was engaged in close consultation with TÜV SÜD to determine the best approach to meet their energy needs. The solution consists of 26 individual arrays and 378 solar modules in total.
The result
During the installation of their solar solutions, Emtec Energy always maintains strict safety protocols to ensure the safety of everyone involved. With excellent communication with the customer at every stage, the project was completed within budget and timeline expectations. The result is a secure solar energy setup that meets all of TÜV SÜD's requirements while providing maximum efficiency benefits.
PRODUCTION FORECAST
• Total number of PV modules: 378 Trina Solar 430 W modules
• Annual energy generation: 144,676 kWh, of which approx. 67% is used for the plant's own power consumption, the rest is fed into the grid. This covers approx. 1/4 of the plant's total requirements.
• Annual carbon offset value: 26,468 kg
Emtec Energy has been one of the UK’s leading solar PV engineering specialists for over 12 years. Roofmounted solar systems are cost-effective to install, make the best use of a site's existing assets, are not disruptive to site operations and do not require expensive civil works. The successful implementation at TÜV SÜD showcases Emtec Energy's expertise, commitment to safety, and efficient project management.
Emtec Group Ltd has been part of the SAUTER Group since 2022.
THE SAUTER GROUP
SAUTER Deutschland
Sauter-Cumulus GmbH
Hans-Bunte-Str. 15
DE - 79108 Freiburg i. Br.
Tel. +49 761 510 50 www.sauter-cumulus.com
Sauter FM GmbH
Werner-Haas-Str. 8-10
DE - 86153 Augsburg
Tel. +49 821 906 73 0 www.sauter-fm.de
Pandomus GmbH
a SAUTER Group company
An der Wachsfabrik 1
DE - 50996 Köln
Tel. +49 2236 8850-0 www.pandomus.de
SAUTER Schweiz
Sauter Building Control Schweiz AG Im Surinam 55
CH - 4058 Basel
Tel. +41 61 717 75 75 www.sauter-building-control.ch
SAUTER Österreich
Sauter Mess- u. Regeltechnik GmbH
Niedermoserstrasse 11
AT - 1220 Wien
Tel. +43 1 250 230 www.sauter-controls.at
SAUTER France
Sauter Régulation S.A.S.
Parc d'Affaires Icade, Bâtiment Québec 19, Rue d'Arcueil FR-94593 RUNGIS Cedex
Tel. +33 1 45 60 67 60 www.sauter.fr
SAUTER Luxembourg
Sauter Régulation S.A.S. 7A, Rue de Turi
LU - 3378 LIVANGE
Tel. +35 2 26 67 18 80 www.sauter.fr
SAUTER Nederland
Sauter Building Control Nederland B.V.
Stammerdijk 7A
NL - 1112 AA Diemen
Tel. +31 20 5876 700 www.sauter-controls.nl
SAUTER U.K.
Sauter Automation Ltd.
Inova House
Lime Tree Way
Hampshire International Business Park
UK - Chineham Basingstoke RG24 8GG
Tel. +44 1256 37 44 00 www.sauterautomation.co.uk
Wren Environmental Limited
a SAUTER Group company
Unit 7, Mole Business Park
Randalls Road
UK - Leatherhead, KT22 7BA
Tel. +44 845 085 8899 www.wren-environmental.co.uk
Emtech Group Limited
a SAUTER Group company
Ellismuir Way
Tannochside Park
UK - Uddingston G71 5PW
Tel. +44 1698 808 030 info@emtecgroup.co.uk
T4 Group Head Office
a SAUTER Group company
36 Ormside Way
UK - Redhill, Surrey RH1 2LW Tel. +44 1737 770911 info@t4m-e.co.uk
SAUTER Ireland
Sirus
a SAUTER Group company Unit 13, The Westway Centre Ballymount Avenue
IE - D12 FW63 Dublin Tel. +353 1 460 26 00 www.sirusinternational.com
SAUTER Italia
Sauter Italia S.p.A.
Piazza Indro Montanelli, 30
IT - 20099 Sesto San Giovanni (MI) Tel. +39 02 280 481 www.sauteritalia.it
Techne S.p.A.
a SAUTER Group company Via Mazzini 34
IT-24021 Albino
Tel. +39 035 200 081 www.techne.mobi
SAUTER Portugal
Sauter Ibérica S.A. Rua Henrique Callado, 8
Edifício Orange
Fracção A03
Leião - Porto Salvo PT - 2740-303 Oeiras
Tel. +351 21 441 18 27 www.sauteriberica.com
Grupo King a SAUTER Group company Rua do Pastor, 12 IC2 Boavista, 2420-438 Leiria
Tel. +351 244 721 546 www.grupoking.pt
SAUTER España
Sauter Ibérica S.A.
Ctra. Hospitalet, 147-149 City Park, Edificio Londres E S- 08940 Cornellà de Llobregat (Barcelona) Tel. +34 93 432 95 00 www.sauteriberica.com
SAUTER Belgium
N.V. Sauter Controls S.A. Zuiderlaan, 14 Box 8 BE- 1731 Zellik
Tel. +32 2 460 04 16 www.sauter-controls.be
SAUTER Česká republika
Sauter Automation spol. s.r.o. Bohnická 5/28
CZ-18100 Praha
Tel. +42 244 400 358 www.sauter.cz
SAUTER Magyarország Sauter Automatikai Kft. Fogarasi út 2-6. HU- 1148 Budapest
Tel. +36 1 470 1000 www.sauter.hu
SAUTER Polska
Sauter Automatyka Sp. z o.o. ul. Rzymowskiego 31 PL - 02-697 Warszawa
Tel. +48 22 853 02 92 www.sauter.pl
SAUTER Slovensko
Sauter Building Control Slovakia s.r.o. Galvaniho 15/B
SK - 82104 Bratislava
Tel. +421 2 6252 5544 www.sauter.sk
SAUTER Sverige
Sauter Automation AB Krossgatan 22B
SE - 16250 Vällingby Tel. +46 8 620 35 00 www.sauter.se
SAUTER Srbija
Sauter Building Control Serbia d.o.o. Prote Mateje 64
RS - 11000 Beograd Tel. +381 11 3 863 963 www.sauter.co.rs
SAUTER Middle East
Sauter Middle East FZC
P.O. Box 232 882
Oasis Center, Office #2, Floor 3 Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai UAE Tel. +971 4 337 5180 www.sauter-controls.com
SAUTER China
Sauter (Beijing) Co. Ltd.
Suite A-602, Tower AB, Vantone Center, A6 Chaoyangmenwai Street, Chaoyang District CN - 100022 Beijing Tel. +86 10 5879 4358 www.sauter.com.cn
SAUTER Korea
LS Sauter Co., Ltd.
127, LS-ro, Dongan-gu, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do Republic of Korea Tel. +82-2-3442 5544 www.sauter.co.kr
SAUTER International
Sauter Building Control International GmbH Hans-Bunte-Str. 15 DE - 79108 Freiburg i. Br. Tel. +49 761 510 54 05 www.sauter-controls.com
Publication date: November 2024
Concept SAUTER Head Office
Articles SAUTER Head Office
SAUTER-Cumulus GmbH
TANNER AG
Translation RWS Group
Graphics doyou GmbH
Cover image © 2024 Fr. Sauter AG
Printing Koprint AG Papier LuxoSatin, FSC-certified
SAUTER FACTS is published in German, English, French and Dutch.
Reprint permitted with acknowledgement of source. Enquiries: media@ch.sauter-bc.com
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Fr. Sauter AG
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Tel. +41 61 695 55 55
info@sauter-controls.com www.sauter-controls.com
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