The future is now, and it’s heating up. Literally. The commercial property industry has been slow to adopt new technologies in the past, but recent trends show that this is changing quickly.  

Given Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction target, we all need to work towards doing what we can across all industries and communities. Embracing sustainable climate control solutions for residential and commercial developments is a great starting point. 

In this article, we’re taking a look at the following trends being embraced worldwide when it comes to intelligent, long term solutions for climate control in commercial property development: 

• Sustainable Climate Control 
• Internet of Things (IoT) = Remote Control 
• Remote Diagnostics  
• Project Spotlight: Maximum Efficiency. Minimal Impact.  

Sustainable Commercial Climate Control 

While by no means a new kid on the block, hydronic heating and cooling solutions are rapidly increasing in popularity in the southern hemisphere for residential and commercial projects alike.  

Deemed to be the most energy efficient option, it’s a wise move for the obvious environmental benefits, but also to cater to the increasingly climate conscious consumers.  

You can find out more in our recent article on hydronic heating in commercial settings. 
 

Internet of Things (IoT) = Remote Control 

Any ‘things’, that is ‘objects’, that have connectivity embedded into them, such as sensors or software, have the ability to connect with other systems and devices online. In being able to connect, they can exchange data between them, removing the need for human to human or human to device engagement. This is the basic gist of the Internet of Things, or IoT. 

So, what does that mean for hydronic heating systems? 

Whilst there are a range of thermostats available to make the most of your commercial hydronic heating systems – if your climate control system has an IoT level connectivity, the complete set-up can be controlled remotely. As an example, the following functions can be controlled off-site: 

• Turning your system on and off 
• Set timers and temperatures for each ‘zone’ or the entire system  
• Adjust the temperature, again by zone, or the entire system 
• Have an overview of system performance 
• Ability to monitor and troubleshoot. 

This ability is particularly advantageous for larger developments where it helps to have a clear and quick overview of a system in one place to ensure client, customer and resident comfort and safety and importantly, the energy efficiency of the overall system.  

Remote Diagnostics  

Along the same lines in terms of IoT connectivity, but more specifically to system performance, is Remote Diagnostics. This will allow you to have a link between your system, or specific component such as a boiler, to a support hub enabling you to monitor and diagnose everything remotely. 

Using Wifi and a real time data feed, your devices can be monitored around the clock and any maintenance required flagged so experienced professionals can be sent to the location promptly to sort the issue.  

Gone are the days of discovering there is an issue once the problem has escalated. 

Having remote diagnostics in place ensures that the most critical components of your system, whatever the size, are running optimally. 

This is an important trend to be across if you’re in the business of commercial property development, whether that be for residential, retail, education or leisure sectors (or anything else in between) and want to provide climate control in your projects that is: 

• consistent 
• safe 
• cost effective 
• energy efficient 
• comfortable. 

As soon as a system issue is flagged, it can be reported for maintenance or repair 

The results of the monitoring can be directly linked to whoever is responsible for building management, or there is the option of outsourcing to an external provider who specialises in commercial heating and cooling system monitoring. Any quality provider of this service will manage the complexities and operational requirements of your system 365 days a year. 

Project Spotlight: Maximum Efficiency. Minimal Impact. 

An award winning example of embracing sustainable trends when it comes to large-scale development is the City of Melbourne’s office block at 200 Collins Street. 

This groundbreaking development addressed key considerations for large scale commercial buildings in its redesign: 

• Energy use 
• Occupant health and wellbeing 
• Functional and attractive workplace design. 

The outcome was Australia’s first ‘Six Star Green Star Design Rating’, approved by the World Green Building Council. 

Which hydronic products did they use? 

• Solar panels (both water and PV) 
• Gas-fired microturbine system (generates its own power with this set-up) 
• In-floor trench heating – Jaga Mini Canal  
• Low H20 heat exchangers (high heat output with minimal water content) 

The cogeneration plant produces electricity to reduce the reliance of the building on the grid, which runs the cooling, while using waste heat for the heating and potable hot water. 

Ready To Explore Hydronic Systems For Your Next Commercial Project? 

At Hunt Commercial, we pride ourselves on supplying everything you need for hydronic heating and cooling solutions or domestic hot water projects. We provide the best equipment from around the world, including gas boilers, heat pumps including CO2, radiators, pipework, and anything else you need for a commercial heating system. 

Contact the team today to discuss project requirements and climate control possibilities.