LightFi
Problem addressed
Commercial buildings in the UK currently represent 23% of all built environment carbon emissions. Heating and cooling specifically are responsible for around half of non-residential building energy consumption according to the Climate Change Committee. Reducing this energy use and its associated carbon emissions is key to decarbonising the many non-residential buildings in the UK.
Overview of start-up
LightFi specialise in the pairing of integrated IoT sensors and demand control ventilation (DCV), to automate the operational energy-performance of buildings. They focus on cheaper and more accessible digital solutions for smart building control and offer patented hardware sensors (occupancy, indoor air quality & environment), BMS & HVAC strategy design, an online platform, and consulting services. These have enabled LightFi’s clients to achieve energy savings between 10-25% annually, carbon reductions, and a 9-12 month ROI while improving the health and productivity of building occupants.
Since many HVAC systems use a static on/off function and run between 7:00am-19:00pm 7 days a week, there is an opportunity to adjust the HVAC based on occupancy and ramp down the system when no one is actually using the building or occupying a room. LightFi have designed an energy efficiency solution ‘Ventifi’ to address this. Their IoT occupancy and environment sensors can be installed in any commercial building using mechanical ventilation and will monitor and inform the design of a new HVAC strategy. LightFi designs this new strategy to better respond to live occupancy levels and ensure energy is being utilised only when a space is occupied.
What makes the start-up innovative?
Their USP is built around their patented IoT Base Sensor which measures occupancy via wifi and Bluetooth signals. It is fully GDPR compliant and does not access a user’s wifi network in any way. All occupancy data is anonymous and used for HVAC on-demand strategy design. However, depending on client needs it can also be used for space design/layout, understanding dwell times, and more. LightFi also offer DCV at a much lower price point compared to some other well-known brands.
How the start-up has been designed to scale-up quickly
LightFi have the capacity to scale their product across London. They also have strong relationships with hardware suppliers abroad and are following the microchip market to future-proof their supply. LightFi’s software components (platform & app) are both readily available to scale as well.