Crystal: Clear energy savings

The building was designed to achieve top scores on the international assessments for energy-efficient buildings.  These include BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) and LEED, (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

The Crystal uses solar power, ground source heat pumps and energy-efficient LED lighting.  No fossil fuels are burnt in the building.  An indication of the energy efficiency of the building is that total electrical consumption is 1467MWh/year and predicted average consumption is 212kWh/m2/year.

KNX intelligent building controls are used for a range of control functions as part of the Building Management System architecture.  This includes the use of Desigo Insight at management level, Desigo PX for automation and Synco 700 at field level. 

As an open system, KNX sits alongside and operates seamlessly with other protocols used within the BMS system including BACnet and Modbus. 

KNX provides control throughout The Crystal of HVAC applications including air handling units, fans, room controls, windows and roof vents.  It also provides demand controlled lighting levels within individual rooms through passive infrared detectors, as well as controlling the blinds – all though wall mounted controllers.  There is also an interface to the AV system.