We have recently undertaken a couple of retrofit projects and installed Irus only 2 years after the buildings opened. Combined, a total of £200K was saved in energy costs, and heating load halved in the first year of Irus taking control.
This sort of saving should be incentive enough for building developers to consider heating control systems early in the planning stage for several practical and financial reasons:
Retrofitting is more costly than designing in.
Installing heating control infrastructure after construction is completed often means reopening walls, ceilings, or service ducts, which is disruptive and expensive. By planning for control systems such as Prefect Irus from the outset, all wiring, sensors, and network connections can be integrated neatly during the build, saving time, money, and inconvenience later.
System compatibility
Different buildings have unique layouts, heating types, and occupancy patterns. Considering heating control at the planning stage allows designers to ensure the mechanical and electrical systems are fully compatible with the intended control platform.
With Irus, for example, early planning ensures smooth integration with electric or ‘wet’ heating systems, water heating, utility metering, leak detection, and other building management and services monitoring.
Energy efficiency from day one
A smart control system allows for precise temperature management and occupancy-based control from the moment the building opens. This means the building starts operating efficiently right away, rather than wasting energy until retrofitted controls are installed later.
Sustainability and compliance targets
Energy performance standards and sustainability certifications (such as BREEAM or EPC ratings) often require demonstrable control over heating and power consumption. Early integration of Irus helps ensure regulatory compliance and strengthens green credentials for the development.
Enhance user comfort and management
Early integration allows the system to be tailored to the building’s intended use, whether it’s student accommodation, hotels, or social housing. With Prefect Irus, developers can offer future occupants or facilities managers remote monitoring, energy reporting, and room-level control from the start.
Long-term property value
Buildings with built-in smart control infrastructure are more attractive to buyers, tenants, and investors. They demonstrate future-proofing, lower running costs, and reduced maintenance requirements, all of which add tangible value.
