Inspiration for lowering energy consumption Global energy consumption is continuing to rise. But resources that still play an important role in energy generation such as oil, coal and gas are not available in unlimited quantities. At the same time the consumption of fossil fuels is one of the main reasons for global warming and its consequences for us and the environment. In light of this fact, the resource-conserving and efficient use of energy is incredibly important. It is essential to protect the environment and curb climate change. In addition, the necessity to improve energy efficiency in almost all areas of life provides important impetus to develop new solutions for sustainable resource and energy management, to learn and to gain important experience.

Focus on building automation Buildings make up over 40 percent of the total primary energy consumption in Europe. For this reason it makes sense to examine this particular sector in detail for efficiency optimisation and potential for savings. The energy savings potential of building shells and system technology has, however, been nearly exhausted. Achieving further savings is now almost only possible when the energy required in the building can be made available and used efficiently, and this is only possible with suitable building automation.

Resource-efficient solutionsWith this background Gira has developed a concept that makes it possible to offer solutions to customers who want to run their buildings sustainably. The starting point for considerations is the control circuit of a building, as developed by Professor Martin Becker [Biberach University of Applied Sciences]. This approach was picked up by Gira, selectively developed and elaborated to become the basis of our framework to drive forward resource-efficient solutions.

Three approaches  Basically there are three approaches with the Gira range: The first is conventional electrical installation, and this already has a substantial effect without a great deal of effort. A great deal of energy can already be saved with a number of conventional products, such as motion detectors, timers, room temperature controllers or hygrostats and CO₂ sensors. In addition, there is the second approach of the Gira radio bus system. It can be used to exchange or add various functions without having to prise open the wall. Consumption can be measured using energy sensors and transmitted to the Gira eNet Server. As the most ambitious version, the Gira KNX system also permits high efficiency increases by means of requirement-based energy management. It can be flexibly adapted to new requirements and can be intuitively operated with push button sensors, control clients, PCs or smartphones and tablets.

Concrete contribution to energy efficiency The first products that Gira has developed on the basis of the new concept are already successful on the market. These include the Gira KNX energy meter and the Gira resource plug-in presented at the Light & Building 2014 trade fair. In summary it can be said that 34 percent of our development projects make a direct contribution to energy efficiency. Their implementation is to be continuously driven forward in the individual project areas. The concept development team is always at hand with tips and advice.