Problem Addressed

With building operations responsible for 30% of final energy consumption globally, reducing the energy use of buildings is imperative to reach Net Zero targets. Effective integrated building controls provide a method for automating building systems to ensure systems are only operating when necessary.

Solution Overview

Velbus® is a whole building, fully wired “digital by default” control system combining lighting, cooling, heating, window blinds and more into a common control solution via one low voltage 4-core control cable. By providing building occupants (commercial and domestic) with a single point of control and the power of simple timers and thermostats, they can easily reduce their day-to-day energy consumption. Integrating any form of energy generation into a Velbus® system further expands the savings due to automation. For example, when the system is aware of the level of generation vs grid consumption, circuits can automatically be enabled / disabled.

Alongside reductions in energy consumption, Velbus® also uses less copper than a traditional solution and can be deployed faster, reducing build costs, and it is highly adaptable.

The solution is capable of running without any form of internet connection or central processor. The optional user interface and logic engine can deliver advanced levels of control to occupants and property managers. By using the CANbus communication method, the Velbus® modules can function independently of the rest of the network, ensuring the most robust performance.

Energy reductions can easily be measured by comparing the actual consumption with all timers enabled against allowing the final loads to run 24/7 until a user manually switches them off. For commissioning, it would be possible to log 24/7 usage with one configuration, then swap to a more energy aggressive configuration. This enables designers and commissioning engineers to deliver not just a theoretical comparison but real-world data from the different configurations.

Velbus® is a simple solution which has been utilised for over 20 years, while still supporting day one hardware in their latest software. Compared to a classically wired system, the cost of a Velbus® system is equal. The system is also suitable for any project where robust and reliable lighting and heating controls are required.

Case Study

The Belgian manufacturing company Cadcamatic elected to use the Velbus® system for their buildings.

“We chose to use Velbus to control all indoor and outdoor lighting in our new commercial building, offices and workplace.  At Cadcamatic, certain lighting circuits are equipped with the DALI interface, and it works perfectly.  It is striking that the control panels are so easy to use. No more endless fiddling with a myriad of traditional push buttons. The simple configuration of the system allowed us to install everything ourselves. The only time we needed support, Velbus’s technical department helped us quickly. A nice piece of Belgian technology… Highly recommended!”

  • Alex Rogiers, managing director Cadcamatic

Facts and Figures

Millions
1000 +
Up to 50 %

This page presents data, evidence, and solutions that are provided by our partners and members and should therefore not be attributed to UKGBC. While we showcase these solutions for inspiration, to build consensus, and create momentum for climate action, UKGBC does not offer commercial endorsement of individual solutions. If you would like to quote something from this page, or more information, please contact our Communications team at media@ukgbc.org.

Related