31. May 2024

5 ways your KNX smart home can save the planet

5 ways your KNX smart home can save the planet
5 ways your KNX smart home can save the planet

It’s time for action, let’s take care of our planet! In this article we discuss how homeowners can use smart technology to take a proactive approach in changing and minimizing their energy consumption. Integration with renewable energy and smart water conservation are just a few ways of how KNX can make a difference.

Smart energy consumption: From passive to proactive change

Today, most homeowners’ energy usage can be described as ‘passive’, meaning that people won’t necessarily make behavioral changes, but rather equip their homes with a sustainable infrastructure. Examples of passive change are installing double-glazed windows, or replacing old light bulbs with LED lights. These adjustments have, however, become the bare minimum in modern housing, as stated in policies and legislations today, like the European Green Deal (source: European Parliament, 2022)



In order to save our planet, there’s a clear need for a shift towards active and proactive changes in our energy consumption. Active change refers to maximizing energy efficiency by using smart devices that can steer home appliances, like timers, motion detectors and thermostats. These types of smart devices function as ‘the first mate’ of your home (or rather ship). When no one’s home or there hasn’t been any activity registered in a while, they can take over control and turn off appliances if needed. Now, what does proactive change have to add? A proactive approach has to do with energy management, where planning, monitoring and optimization play a leading role. Because how do you make your habits more sustainable, if you don’t keep track of your current energy usage?

Read the full article “Using KNX to build a sustainable world”

5 ways to make your lifestyle more sustainable with KNX

1. Integration with renewable energy

The KNX system is easily connected to any power source, but to save our planet KNX ensures a connection with renewable energy sources, like solar panels and wind turbines. So rest assured, the smart devices in your sustainable dream home can be fully charged by clean power!

2. Energy generation in home appliances

KNX has some exciting prospects regarding energy generation within smart devices, in collaboration with the KNX Members. How does that work? Take an external blinds system by Solaregy Raffsun for example. The blinds can be scheduled to automatically go up and down, not connected to the general power network, but each unit of blinds equipped with their very own small solar panel. The energy generated is stored in a Sonnen battery, and the monitoring of the battery storage as well as the scheduling of the blinds is made possible thanks to Symcon software. A great example of how the KNX open standard offers the possibility of mix and match between brands.

3. Remote control and scheduling

With remote control, homeowners can monitor and adjust their home systems from anywhere, allowing them to react promptly to changes in unexpected energy surges. This flexibility enables efficient energy management, such as turning off lights or adjusting thermostat settings when no one is home. Additionally, scheduling features allow users to automate tasks based on time, occupancy, or environmental conditions, ensuring that resources are used only when needed. By harnessing the power of remote control and scheduling, KNX empowers homeowners to make sustainable choices that contribute to a greener future.

4. Monitoring your home’s carbon footprint

Every household uses energy, and therefore contributes to emission. Changing our consumption patterns starts with tracking them. Thanks to devices like energy meters, homeowners are notified about their daily, weekly and monthly energy usage in their control panel or mobile app. This way, you can make informed decisions and data-driven changes.

Learn more about how KNX is leading the way in sustainable living

5. Smart water conservation

Green spaces are pivotal in managing the increasingly hot summers and general dry seasons, especially in cities. The temperature in cities is easily a few degrees higher than in the countryside, due to the high amount of concrete material and lack of greenery, like grass and trees. Managing those green spaces is crucial to cool down our cities, but it can be quite challenging in an age of water shortage. 

The answer: smart water conservation. Smart irrigation systems controlled by KNX can optimize watering schedules based on weather forecasts and soil moisture levels, minimizing water waste while taking care of your garden or city parks.

Discover the Jardana Irrigation Control by Elsner Elektronik

Conclusion

In order for you to enjoy the optimal sustainability advantages of a KNX ecosystem, always rely on the expertise of a KNX Partner. These automation professionals have followed a thorough certification process, and are therefore expert in all aspects of KNX. Including our 3 pillars: Security, innovation and sustainability.

Find an installer near me
Social Share:

    • Highlights