Digitalisation Feature


Retrospective digitisation plays a vital role by analysing historical maintenance


upgrading HVAC systems or installing renewable energy sources. T is data- driven approach helps identify the most eff ective strategies for reducing energy consumption. By integrating sensor data with the digital twin, facility managers can also


monitor usage patterns and identify potential ineffi ciencies. T is allows for targeted interventions to reduce waste. AJ Digital has always put these kinds of processes into practice. Our recent


work with a leading co-working company, illustrates the transformative power of retrospective digitisation. Our client faced challenges with an outdated building infrastructure, ineffi cient climate control systems and a lack of readily available building data. Our solution involved laser scanning existing buildings to create accurate


3D models, developing a digital twin platform for centralised data management and implementing digital O&M manuals and health and safety fi les to deliver streamlined operation. T is approach enabled our client to simplify renovation planning with


precise 3D models, improve operational effi ciency with digital manuals and readily accessible data and make data-driven decisions for optimising energy and water usage. Addressing the Government’s current maintenance backlog is crucial, but it’s


equally important to implement proactive strategies to prevent future backlogs from accumulating. Retrospective digitisation can play a vital role in this by analysing historical


maintenance data and identifying recurring issues. T is proactive approach minimises downtime, extends the lifespan of building assets and reduces overall maintenance costs. T e digital twin will also enable facility managers to conduct lifecycle cost


analyses for various building components and systems. T is analysis helps determine the most cost-eff ective maintenance strategies over the long term,


considering factors such as repair costs, replacement costs and energy effi ciency. When considering building upgrades or renovations, the digital twin will


further provide a platform for evaluating diff erent options and their potential impacts. For example, the model can be used to simulate the impact of energy- effi cient upgrades on energy consumption and operating costs.


THE FUTURE OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT All this means that the future of building management lies in a data-driven approach, where digital twins serve as the central hub for all building information. By using the power of data and technology, we can transform how we maintain, operate and manage our built environment. Advancements in artifi cial intelligence and machine learning will also enable


predictive analytics capabilities, allowing for even more accurate predictions of equipment failures and proactive maintenance interventions in the future. T e NAO report serves as a stark reminder of the critical need to address the


growing maintenance backlog in public sector buildings – and we can see that retrospective digitisation off ers a powerful solution for tackling this challenge, and transforming building management practices.


Ryan Donoghue is head of digital engineering at AJ Digital ‘Fabric First’ principles should be applied to water usage ‘F


abric First’ is a practice recognised in the building industry, to improve the energy effi ciency performance of homes.


Historically, the environmental impact of


water usage has been largely ignored. However recent environmental concerns and energy costs have highlighted the link between water and the environment. T e recent surges in energy prices have focused attention on the cost. Heidi Mottram, CEO of Northumbrian Water


highlighted the fact that on average 25% of energy used in the home is to heat water. While water effi cient appliances, i.e. dishwashers and washing machines, can reduce domestic water and energy usage, much of this hot water used in ‘time critical’ usage e.g. taking a shower or running the tap to rinse dishes. To date, much of the water industry’s focus


has been on adapting customer behaviour. However, Britain’s grey sky and regular rainfall


makes it harder to embed behaviour change. A change in the ‘fabric’ of the water network may be the solution. Our water companies are regulated to provide


a minimum standard of pressure and fl ow of water, but in many areas due to network structure and gravity fed systems supply is much greater. So, run a hose for fi ve minutes at the bottom of the hill, and your lawn will be greener than the gardener that does the same at the top. T ese ‘time controlled’ uses could be reduced if all households received the same acceptable,


‘standardised’ supply. Groundbreaker’s NRv2 LoFloÆ is a


surprisingly simple method of working towards current water usage reduction targets. NRv2 LoFloÆ regulates the level of fl ow entering customer premises – regardless of network pressure, meaning a reduction in the level of water used by customers when ‘variable use’ appliances are used. As the fl ow of water into the premises is limited, then the amount used by the customer is also limited – but without providing a degradation of service, and more importantly not requiring any intervention or behavioural change on the part of the customer, leading to ‘natural’ reduction in per capital consumption. T e NRv2 LoFloÆ can be easily and simply


fi tted to any meter installation or retrofi tted on meter exchange or when upgrading or remediating underground meter chambers.


Allowing water providers to manage demand with little or no impact on consumers and at minimal cost to the water undertakers. ‘A simple solution at approximately £20 per


household, fi tted on the normal meter exchange/ upgrade cycle could achieve in excess of 20% of consumption reduction targets in 10 years.’ A number of fl ow modulation ranges are


available which enable the perfect balance between usage reduction and service provision. As an added benefi t, the NRv2 LoFloÆ can also provide whole site protection against contamination by back fl ow – eff ectively a three-in-one solution.


01379 741993 www.groundbreaker.co.uk Housing Management & Maintenance February/March 2025


Digitalisation; Road to Net Zero 31


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