How We Saved Body Corporate R480k P/A in Energy Costs
Inpower experts routinely use their energy optimisation techniques to save bodies corporate (BCs), property owners associations (POAs), and homeowners associations (HOAs) money. With every building, estate, or complex being a unique case - there’s no easy fix-all for high energy bills. That’s why we want to share this incredible case study where we helped the Canal Quays in Cape Town lower their power bill by R500k per year.
Canal Quays Conundrum
Canal Quays is a chic apartment block located canal-side at the Waterfront just 3 minutes away from the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Comprising 74 units, and secure underground parking, the building is not so different from many other residential blocks, hotels, or office spaces in terms of energy consumption. When the body corporate was billed for 35 000 kW hours per month for common areas it raised concerns and a clear need for energy optimisation presented itself.
Inpower Expert Assessment
The Inpower experts assessed the site and conducted evaluations of the various energy consuming equipment in the building for energy optimisation. They quickly identified the source of inefficiency: the subterranean parking ventilation system. The system uses large fans to extract and replenish fresh air. With vehicles operating in the enclosed space, the ventilation system removes poisonous carbon monoxide gas from the air to ensure the building is safe. However, the fans were operating with 100% uptime representing a gross inefficiency. This is roughly analogous to leaving a light on all day and all night even when it’s not needed.
Turnkey Energy Optimisation Solution
Inpower experts were able to implement a turnkey solution which optimised the energy consumption rates of the subterranean ventilation system. The clever solution was developed to reduce the overall fan operation time while maintaining a high standard of air quality.
Energy Optimisation Results
Thanks to the ingenious solution developed and implemented by the Inpower team, the body corporate energy consumption per month decreased from 35 000 kW hours to 15 000 kW hours for common areas. The bottom line? A total saving of roughly R40 000.00 per month, adding up to just under half a million Rand per year. We mean it when we say that for every energy problem, there’s an Inpower solution.
