Focus on reducing energy consumption in smart buildings
UAE-based Lootah Real Estate Development (Lootah) said it currently using smart building technology to reduce energy consumption and the costs of maintenance and utilities for building tenants and owners.
The real estate developer has partnered with International Real Estate Partners (IREP), a global facilities and asset management company, in a project called IREPort Energy Bureau.
The developer said that this collaboration agreement was signed with the aim of improving building operations and sustainability of all Lootah properties by identifying issues related to energy consumption, faulty maintenance equipment and systems.
The technology being used in the project automatically alerts IREP in cases that it is needed immediate troubleshooting for plant failure, excessive consumption, increased electricity loads, and energy management related concerns,
The firm’s CEO Saleh Abdullah Lootah, noted that the sustainable solutions offered by IREPort Energy Bureau project, which is currently in its first phase, ensures that these potential problems are tracked beforehand or reported as they occur.
“The instant alerts provided by the IREPort Energy Bureau project will make sure that any issues and concerns as regards maintenance and utilities are prevented or resolved in a timely manner. In this way, we create a system that is not only beneficial to our tenants and owners but contributes, in the long run, to Lootah’s energy conservation efforts,” said Lootah.
“In the next 12 months, tenants will see instant results of our initiative to lower the amount of their electric bills. This move aims to also significantly allow existing and potential property owners to generate higher returns,” he added.
IREP’s technology comprises seven steps: compilation of information and auditing of all sites; development of energy, gas, and water management plan; site opportunity analysis and development of a site-by site-delivery plan to reduce consumption and costs; energy procurement; implementation of energy efficiency measures; investigation for alternate cleaner energy sources; and implementation of a fully automated web-based monitoring, reporting and measurement solution to ensure the key performance indicators are being met.
In the Phase One, IREP will audit each Lootah property to assess its energy performance.
IREP will also retrofit a number of underperforming equipment, specifically in the cooling system and lighting system, with latest technology and smart systems.
