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‘Smart’ begins at home
» » WHEN IT COMES TO NEW
technology - that makes
operations more effective and
efficient - we too often think of
how we can use these systems
to generate more sales. Here,
GEZE UK explains how, if we
make the changes within our
own organisation first, we
make a better building for our
own workforce, which in turn,
helps to improve every link in
the supply chain…
Smart buildings must begin
with smart planning and
designers must play their part
by considering connectivity
at the beginning of the design
process.
That was the foundation
of a talk on ‘Building Better
Buildings Through Connectivity’
given by Spencer Allen, GEZE
UK’s National Sales Manager
for Window Technology, which
took place at the Smart Building
Show, London.
Placing people at the heart of
design, construction, operations
and development decisions,
will in turn create “added value”
by boosting productivity and
generating cost-savings in
human resources and building
management, he outlined.
Controlling a building’s
systems – its heating, lighting,
ventilation, air conditioning
or other application, will offer
improved efficiency, reduction
in energy consumption and an
extended life cycle of products
used throughout the building.
But the greatest return on
investment could be seen by
providing better workplaces
for its occupiers, he stated.
A staggering 90 per cent of
an organisation’s expenditure
is spent on its people – by
way of salaries, ‘on-costs’ and
benefits according to Knoll
Workplace Research. This
compares with only 10 per
cent spent on operations and
energy consumption.
“The need to look after our
people is evident,” he said.
“Maintaining the health and
satisfaction of employees will
result in a greater return on a
significant investment in any
organisation’s running costs.”
It is estimated that we spend
as much as 90 per cent of our
time indoors (source: WELL
Building Inst PLC 2015) so
indoor space is crucial to our
well-being.
“Since its launch in 2014, the
WELL Building Standard has
been integral in highlighting a
growing aspiration across the
built environment to develop
spaces that uphold the well-
being of the people using
them day-to-day. A WELL
Certified™ project has the
potential to add measurable
value to the health, well-being
and happiness of building
occupants. It can also generate
increased savings and
productivity to the building
owner or manager,” said
Spencer.
Much of this can be
achieved through better
ventilation, he suggested.
“Natural ventilation will save
a property between 10 and 30
per cent in energy consumption,
help remove air pollutants by
as much as a third to allow for
better breathing environments,
provide low maintenance and
easy-to-access operation of
windows, helping staff feel “in
control”, and more satisfied in
their working environments.”
He highlighted how
technological advances
had brought about greater
opportunities for connectivity
and how intelligent hubs
like the GEZE Cockpit could
integrate natural ventilation
with the management of
automatic doors, smoke and
heat extraction, escape and
rescue route management and
access control.
“But this requires a vision,”
he insisted. “The forethought
of designers in considering the
end game, the proposed use
of the building and the desire
to create a workplace that puts
people at the heart of how it
should operate.”
For more information about
GEZE UK’s comprehensive
range of products and system
solutions call 01543 443000
or visit www.geze.co.uk
ABOUT GEZE UK
Founded in Germany in 1863, GEZE is one of the world’s
leading manufacturers of door and window control systems.
Investing millions in research, development and manufacture
of innovative solutions, GEZE sets the global standard for
advanced door and window technology.
GEZE UK is the official company name and it originates from
a German abbreviation, so should always be spelt in capital
letters. The background: In 1901 Master locksmith Victor Gretsch
joined the company and the business was renamed Gretsch &
Co. GmbH. GRETSCHCO was abbreviated to GE for the German
pronunciation of the letter G and ZE for the letter C.
LOCKSMITHJOURNAL.CO.UK | NOV/DEC 2018
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