The Electrical Contractor’s Association for South Africa (ECA SA) showcased Port Elizabeth based Building Automation firm, BA Systems, in their October 2018 Magazine, Electrical Contractor.

BA Systems scooped the ECA SA Presidential Award as the Best Contributor to Energy Efficiency following their project at the Product Testing Institute in the Coega IDZ, Port Elizabeth.

This R4 Million project saw Building Automation Systems facilitate the installation of the building management system, and help the facility attain a 5 Star Green Star compliance rating.

Green Star is a voluntary rating system for building projects, and is used to encourage the implementation of new and emerging technology, and to encourage a more environmentally friendly approach to designing and developing buildings. The Design phase of the Product Testing Institute building attained a 6 Star rating.

The Product Testing Institute has been fitted with a modern building management system, which allows for cost efficient, environmentally friendly, automated management of the lighting, air-conditioning and blinds within the facility. Through the clever use of C-Bus and StruxureWare systems, Building Automation Systems was able to reduce power consumption by ensuring that lights and air-conditioners are not left on needlessly when an area is unoccupied.

With the use of sensors located throughout the building that provide feedback to the building management system, it is possible for the building management and maintenance employees to monitor and keep track of the water, electricity and gas consumption, along with the amount of Solar Power generated. This information provides valuable insight into the cost of running and maintaining the facility. A record of environmental conditions is also maintained, with the current and previous day’s weather conditions being shown on the system monitor. The environmental factors will over time reveal the peak periods for Solar PV production, which will be useful for determining the reduction in energy costs from the grid.

ECA (SA) National Director, Mark Mfikoe said; “The award gives you a measurable right to state that you were the best in your category for the year. It is a tough award to win. If you think that the award gets won on the night, this would be a mistake. The award gets won on site with the application of best practices for the client’s benefit. The biggest winner of the award is the client. We introduced these awards to recognise members that deliver excellent service for their clients because we are your trusted electrical contractors.”

Accepting the award, BA Systems Trustee and former National President of the ECA SA, Michael Straton said; “The electrical contracting environment has evolved over the years to become a valuable partner in ensuring that energy consumption is managed and minimised in order to preserve our precious natural resources.” Straton went on to thank his staff and sub-contractors for delivering the project on time and within budget.

BA Systems entered one other project in the ECA (SA) Presidential Awards – the refurbishment of the historic Campanile in Port Elizabeth.

Submitted by: MyPR