Four ways to boost sustainable electrical engineering
Four ways to boost sustainable electrical engineering
The four points below reveal how smart electrical engineering measures can bring sustainable and efficient projects to fruition.
1. Plan for assembly and disassembly at the installation stage
Built to last or with the potential for future development: An installation’s design inherently has a significant impact on sustainability in electrical engineering. When choosing between flush-mounted, surface-mounted or Smart Home solutions to match how a building owner will typically use the space, flexible and open surface-mounted installation no longer needs to be sacrificed for design reasons. It can serve as a stylish feature that is also easy to disassemble. A well-considered decision that takes both installation and dismantling into account, thereby supporting a circular approach.
“Architects are repeatedly asking me what they can do to make electrical engineering more sustainable. Sustainability in electrical engineering is multi-faceted, ranging from smart building technology management to the production of components using minimal resources. Energy efficiency is particularly crucial for buildings that consume a lot of energy. This is where Smart Home technologies can really shine.
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Architektur Media Management, Gira Giersiepen GmbH & Co. KG
2. Choose products and materials carefully
CO₂ emissions during the production of materials play a decisive role in a building’s sustainability profile. Selecting products with one eye on the carbon footprint helps to conserve resources even before a project is completed. The range of high-quality sustainable Gira products with a sophisticated design is also steadily expanding: Gira E2 light grey recycled material design line products are made almost entirely of recycled material* and deliver a carbon footprint** that is 54% lower than using new materials. Alternatively, the Gira Esprit linoleum-plywood offers a carbon footprint** that is reduced by up to 75%.
*Only the socket outlet cover and additional components, such as transparent inscription spaces, are made from new materials.
**This reduction was determined on the basis of an ecological assessment pursuant to DIN 14040 of a 1-gang plastic cover frame.
3. Minimise energy consumption using Smart Home technology
The right Smart Home technologies can be deployed practically and efficiently if usage requirements and building technology are assessed at an early stage. The type of building and its technology determine efficiency levels. For example, Smart Home technologies are recommended for use in highly energy-intensive hospitals and hotels in order to sustainably and efficiently control and minimise the amount of energy used.
4. Flexibility through safety and reliability
Plans in which future developments and not just current requirements are being considered should also factor in retrofitting and expansions. Projects that integrate the right type of installation and/or Smart Home systems are future-proof because they can be expanded years later without any hassle. Whether the intention is to retrofit EV charging points or integrate PV system planning: Gira relies on the manufacturer-independent KNX standard.
