| 15 LEED POINTS | 7 POINTS BY KNX |
Energy & Atmosphere
E.1. Ensure adequate ventilation
Air renewal without losing hardly any HVAC indoors
Thanks to KNX heat exchange systems can be controlled; the air inside a building can be renewed without incurring extra HVAC expenditure. Air renewal can be integrated with other systems that optimise it, such as detection of open windows, cool air recovery on summer nights (free cooling), or humidity and CO2 level management among others.
E.2. Monitor carbon dioxide
The supply of fresh air is limited to only that which is strictly necessary in order to reduce CO2 values to acceptable levels
CO2 sensors are well established within KNX technology. Thanks to them it is possible to perform specific regulations on ventilation systems without user intervention. according to what is established in the setpoint. The KNX CO2 sensors can visually represent levels on their displays, as well as on other local or remote points. They can also be integrated with other systems in the building, such as technical alarms.
E.3. Install operable windows
Waste of energy can be avoided due to the insulation breakdown
Sensors to detect open doors and windows may be installed to be able to regulate the HVAC system’s operation, in order not to incur an unsustainable energy expenditure. Waste of energy can be avoided due to the insulation breakdown. Magnetic contacts on windows are inexpensive and easy to install (wireless and self-powered), and they make it possible to perform many tasks in favour of energy efficiency, especially in the HVAC system.
E.4. Give occupants temperature and ventilation control
A regulated control of each zone means one can adjust the energy use, as there are different HVAC requirements
KNX can regulate each room individually, regardless of the HVAC system, provided it is divided into zones. Users may adjust the setpoint temperature in a full or limited range. Magnetic contacts on windows are inexpensive and easy to install (wireless and self-powered) making it possible to perform many tasks in favour of energy efficiency, especially in the HVAC system.
E.5. Give occupants lighting control
Avoiding the use of lighting in empty rooms implies saving a considerable amount of energy
A combination of presence sensors and brightness sensors helps the current KNX system to act on the necessary intensity level accordingly, as long as the area is occupied. The optimal lighting management goes through its control according to the natural light and presence. The design of the control system in terms of position and the sensors’ area of incidence is key for adequate regulation that ensures the optimisation of energy efficiency.
E.6. Control humidity
Dehumidifiers are energy intensive, so if their operation can be avoided, a lot of energy can be saved
Humidity control, along with temperature and CO2 control ensure a perfect management of the HVAC system. In addition, by acting on the ventilation using dehumidifiers can be avoided if conditions are suitable for the use of outside air. Optimum humidity control is integrated with other related systems that improve the energy efficiency of the whole, such as the ventilation system of the building or the weather station that indicates if it is raining or if there is a high level of external humidity that prevents dehumidifying by ventilation.
E.7. Daylighting
Using the adequate and necessary amount of light helps to reduce lighting related energy expenditure, which is usually quite high
In KNX natural lighting values (lux) can be measured and compensated with active adjustment (dimmers, dimmable ballasts). If the interior brightness average is available via sensors, it is feasible to adjust the artificial light depending on the amount of natural light. The control system is able to perform this type of constant light adjustment in response to the defined comfort and usage policies.
Ms. Mila Plaza - Architect LEED GA - Vice President Global Business Development -