How Access Control Systems Can Reduce Energy Consumption
28 June 2024
Intelligent access control systems for energy reduction are a cornerstone in modern building management, blending security with efficiency. These systems regulate who can enter or leave a building or certain areas within, playing a pivotal role not just in maintaining security but also in optimising energy usage.
When buildings account for a sizeable portion of global energy usage, integrating access control systems such as EntroWatch from Remsdaq, can lead to substantial energy savings whilst also improving security for buildings, people, and the assets within.
What is Energy Efficiency?
Energy efficiency is expressed as a percentage that measures input to output. For energy efficiency, the input is energy (in whatever form it may). For example, electricity to produce light, heat, cooling, or heating.
Worldwide, buildings typically account for 30% of global energy consumption, and 26% of global energy-related emissions. The drive to make buildings more energy efficient and to adopt renewable buildings technologies is accelerating, especially in the UK with the new Labour government committed to turning Britain into a clean energy superpower in its drive to meet the Net Zero target of the Paris Agreement.
For more information see:
https://www.iea.org/energy-system/buildings or https://labour.org.uk/change/make-britain-a-clean-energy-superpower
Making Buildings Energy Efficient through Access Control
Access control systems by their very nature, collate information on people and the credentials they use as they enter or leave a building and areas within. Occupancy-related mapping can be generated from real-time data to determine how many people are within a given space and the overall occupancy levels within a 24-hour.
Access control systems can help to improve energy efficiency within buildings in several ways.
- Optimised Lighting Control: By integrating access control systems for energy reduction with building management systems (BMS), you can regulate lighting based on occupancy. When an authorised individual enters a room or area, the access control system can trigger the lights to turn on. Conversely, lights can be programmed to turn off automatically when the area is unoccupied, significantly reducing unnecessary energy use. This not only saves electricity but also extends the lifespan of lighting fixtures.
- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems: in a building a HVAC system can consume a substantial amount of energy. By linking access control systems with HVAC systems, buildings can adjust temperature settings based, once again on occupancy levels. For example, HVAC systems can operate at optimal levels when rooms are occupied and switch to energy-saving modes when empty. This dynamic adjustment helps in maintaining comfort while reducing energy waste. Automatic controls can also be put in place to alarm when room temperatures are too high or too low, as either can lead to increased energy consumption. Examples can include meeting room thermostats left at a high setting, or an outside door left open to cool an area, which is already air-conditioned.
- Smart Scheduling: access control systems assist smart system scheduling according to operational data and building schedules. For example, in office buildings, access control systems for energy reduction can predict and manage peak occupancy times. This allows for pre-emptive adjustments to energy use, such as pre-cooling or pre-heating spaces just before they are occupied and scaling back energy use when they are not. Such predictive analytics can lead to significant energy savings over time.
- Energy Usage Monitoring: advanced access control systems provide detailed reports on building occupancy patterns. These insights can be invaluable for energy management. Facility managers can analyse the data to identify trends and areas where energy use can be optimised. For example, if certain areas are rarely used, managers can adjust the energy settings for those areas accordingly.
- Reduced Equipment Wear and Tear: a major cost to any building operator is maintenance, system repairs and upgrades. By ensuring systems such as lighting and HVAC operate only, when necessary, access control systems help in reducing the operational time of these systems. This not only saves energy but also reduces wear and tear on equipment, leading to lower maintenance costs and longer equipment lifespans.
Access Control and Building Management System (BMS) Integration
BACnet is a standard data communication protocol designed to enable interoperability between different building systems and devices in building automation and control. Door controllers such as the Remsdaq EntroStar and EntroNet incorporate native BACnet making them ideal for use within smart buildings and for connection to intelligent BMS systems.
EntroStar is a 1-2 door controller and EntroNet a 2-8 door controller. The door controllers can be deployed in almost any building to cover up to eight hundred doors and support several thousand credentials. An NPSA version is also available for high security and government buildings.
The door controllers are designed to work with the EntroWatch access control system and will bring several advantages in terms of security.
- Controlled Access to Sensitive Areas: access control systems are essential in restricting access to sensitive or high-security areas within a building. By ensuring that only authorised personnel can enter these areas, these systems help in preventing unauthorised access, theft, and other security breaches.
- Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts: modern access control systems are equipped with real-time monitoring capabilities. Security personnel can receive instant alerts if there are any attempts to breach security protocols. This allows for immediate response to potential security incidents, thereby enhancing the overall safety of the building.
- Integration with Surveillance Systems: access control systems can be integrated with video surveillance systems to provide a comprehensive security solution. For example, when an access control event is triggered, such as a door being opened, the surveillance system can automatically focus on that area. This integrated approach enhances the ability to monitor and review security events effectively.
- Fence Perimeter Intrusion Detection: some access control systems can also integrate with perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS) which may be installed as an outside perimeter protection level.
- Audit Trails and Accountability: access control systems maintain detailed logs of all access events. These logs provide an audit trail that can be invaluable in investigating security incidents. By knowing who accessed which area and when, building managers can ensure accountability and transparency, which are crucial for maintaining a secure environment.
- Customisable Access Levels: access control systems offer the flexibility to assign different access levels to different users. For instance, employees might have access to general office areas, while only IT staff can access server rooms. This granular control helps in minimising the risk of security breaches by limiting access to critical areas.
- Visitor Management: managing visitors effectively is a critical aspect of building security. Access control systems can streamline visitor management by pre-registering guests, issuing temporary access credentials, and tracking their movements within the building. This not only enhances security but also improves the visitor experience by making the check-in process more efficient.
Saving Energy Through Energy Efficiency and Improved Security Practices
The true value of access control systems lies in their ability to simultaneously enhance both energy efficiency and security. By leveraging the data and functionalities provided by these systems, building managers can create environments that are not only safe and secure but also energy efficient. This synergy is crucial in today’s context, where sustainability and security are both top priorities.
Implementing access control systems that contribute to energy savings can help buildings achieve sustainability certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). These certifications are increasingly important for businesses and property owners looking to demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility.
The dual benefits of reduced energy consumption and enhanced security lead to significant cost savings. Lower energy bills, reduced maintenance costs, and the prevention of security incidents all contribute to a better bottom line for building operators.
A secure and well-regulated environment enhances occupant comfort and productivity. Employees or residents are likely to be more satisfied and perform better in spaces where they feel safe and comfortable, and where the indoor environment is optimised for their needs.
Conclusion
Access control systems represent a critical intersection of technology, security, and energy management in modern buildings. By effectively managing access and integrating with other building systems, these solutions not only safeguard the physical premises but also play a significant role in reducing energy consumption. As buildings continue to evolve towards smarter, more sustainable operations, the role of access control systems will only become more pivotal, ensuring that our built environments are both secure and efficient.