Monday 12 September 2022
Schneider Electric supports the University of Birmingham to Future-Proof Smart Campus
The suite of digitally enabled, user-centric and sustainable tools and services will be delivered with the implementation of a range of smart, IoT technologies and analytics tools.
As the original ‘red brick university’, part of the prestigious Russell Group and among the world’s top 100 universities, the University opened its new, state-of-the-art School of Engineering in 2021. A showcase for Smart Campus excellence, the University chose Schneider Electric to aid proactive facilities management and help achieve its net zero targets. With the introduction of its suite of cloud-based, intelligent technologies, the School of Engineering seeks to provide a blueprint for the University’s ongoing programme of digital transformation.
Commenting on the collaboration, Dan Holmes, Senior Project Manager, University of Birmingham said, “Schneider worked with with the University to enhance the smart functionality of the new building by ensuring the most current technology was specified and installed at the time of construction with little or no impact of CAPEX costs. This has resulted in a state-of-the-art building, which meets both the University’s current and future smart campus aspirations.”
Data-driven smart strategy enables proactive energy management
Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Building Advisor provides constant monitoring of the building management system to proactively address inefficiencies, quickly identify faults, and take preventative action. Monitoring over 200 building assets across more than 1,200 connected points, Schneider Electric’s Building Advisor dashboard enables the University to quickly analyse building performance across comfort, energy, and maintenance metrics. This enables a proactive, data-led approach to facilities management.
The University also benefits from a dedicated team of Schneider Electric experts who remotely monitor, troubleshoot, and analyse connected assets. 24/7 Remote Monitoring Services maximise uptime, improve maintenance and reduce energy usage and costs.
Sustainable efficiency meets enhanced experiences
With sustainability at the core of the University’s Smart Campus, Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Asset Advisor evaluates live data across its electrical infrastructure and applies advanced analytics to identify opportunities for increased performance and reliability. At the same time, Power Monitoring Expert delivers energy usage and power quality insights which the University can use to make informed decisions that improve performance and drive sustainability.
By incorporating the latest digital technologies, such as NFC (Near Field Communication), the School of Engineering now enjoys improved power uptime, continuity, and energy efficiency. Integrating smart sensors connected to Schneider Electric’s suite of tools also allows the University to monitor occupancy, air quality, CO2 emissions, and ambient factors to drive automated room control. With dynamic monitoring of user needs, alongside end-to-end cyber-secure systems, students, staff, and visitors enjoy the wide range of smart building benefits.
Future-proof energy management
Finally, a range of data gathered from the building is now available to engineering students. EcoStruxure enables them to access real-time data to study building management and sustainable solutions, becoming a key part of teaching and learning.
“The University of Birmingham provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase how cutting-edge technology and intelligent infrastructure can deliver world-class building performance and heightened user experiences, all while driving decarbonisation.” Said Kas Mohammed, VP Digital Energy at Schneider Electric. “The School of Engineering is the ideal setting to create a roadmap to sustainability that can be replicated across the University’s estate, while also giving the next generation of engineers the experiences, insight and tools they need to develop sustainability strategies for the future.”
