The energy landscape is rapidly evolving, shaped by electrification, digitisation, and the volatility of energy costs. At the same time, growing pressure to operate more efficiently is pushing businesses to act. As a result, savy companies are making smarter, long-term decisions to optimise their buildings and reduce costs.
Building automation systems can help improve energy efficiency whilst saving money. Over the next three years, the Europe Building Automation Systems Market size is expected to grow to USD 4.41 billion by 2028, from USD 3.67 billion in 2023.[1]
However, when it comes to managing energy consumption, choosing the right automation technology can be overwhelming – there are hundreds of different building management systems (BMS) and products to choose from.
At the same time, businesses are not looking for solutions that risk becoming outdated or unable to evolve over time. Instead, they need systems that can adapt and scale alongside their operations, supporting long-term efficiency and growth.
So, is there a cost-effective control system solution for businesses that can stand the test of time? Yes, meet KNX.
What is KNX and what are its benefits?
In the 1990’s, a group of leading manufacturers, including Merten – acquired by Schneider Electric in 2006-, unified their forces as they saw coming the rise of home and building control. KNX was designed to provide a standardised approach across a single platform allowing a range of devices to communicate and function with each other.
If there is a problem with the lighting, for example, the BMS through the KNX protocol will automatically control and continue to run the other services which may include HVAC systems, energy management and security systems to name a few. It provides automation and system fault detection to help ensure businesses can maintain their operations with minimal disruption.
Take SpaceLogic KNX from Schneider Electric for example, which is designed to lower operational costs resulting in energy savings, save on installation time, and help businesses better plan for ongoing maintenance of equipment.
Suitable for a wide range of buildings, including offices, public buildings, hotels, schools, hospitals, shops, and stores to name a few, KNX includes products such as…
- System components
- Interfaces/gateways
- Push-buttons
- Movement detectors
- Environmental sensors
- Switch actuators
- Dimming actuators/control units
- Control and display devices
- Room temperature control units
Three ways SpaceLogic KNX can future-proof your businesses
Open Protocols: The benefit of KNX is that it is a truly scalable system, designed to stand the test of time. Although this technology was created 35 years ago, every KNX compatible component or device – regardless of when it was created – will still work today and be able to be integrated with newer components without any issues in the future.
Thanks to these open protocols, it means that if there is an issue with a particular component, it can be removed from the board and replaced with a product from any of the many manufacturers in the marketplace. Clearly, manufacturers all have their own specialities in the products they produce – all of which are compatible with KNX.
Scalable: Additionally, as a business grows, the flexible nature of KNX eliminates the need to replace the entire system as the business scales up. Instead, building and facilities managers can simply look to incorporate different KNX elements into their existing solution.
By using the KNX protocol, it means that systems can be built to not only meet today’s needs but can be expanded to meet the challenges of tomorrow. KNX enables a system to be upgraded to take advantage of new technology developments, or the expansion of services within the building itself.
Global regulation: KNX technology can also prove to be particularly useful around the world as countries continuously update legislation relating to the efficiency and energy consumption within buildings. For example, the Energy Performance Building Directive (EPBD) is driving through a requirement for BMS to be integrated into any new building with a floor space extending over 1,000 sq. metres, pushing businesses towards solutions like KNX.
Building for the future, today
Businesses today are all looking to secure their future and create longevity in their operations, particularly when physical premises or sites are involved. From rising energy costs through to climate change, which is driving through new initiatives across all aspects of buildings, it is inevitable that businesses will rely on electricity more than ever before.
Solutions like KNX are designed to deliver strong long-term cost efficiency, providing lasting value through reliability, flexibility, and scalability.Having the certainty that KNX provides, means that organisations can invest in their infrastructure safe in the knowledge that their expenditure will not be wasted.
For more information on Schneider Electric’s SpaceLogic KNX solution visit our SpaceLogic KNX page.
[1] Europe Building Automation Systems (BAS) Market – Companies & Size
Add a comment