Quality Attributes Software’s iBPortal ™
Program Keeps Everyone Informed
Software program key to behavioral change and education for green buildings
By: Greg Schmalz
Source: Quality Attributes Software (www.qualityattributes.com)
Ednote: The last mega-watt of generated electricity is the most expensive for any generator of power. Why, because once you commit to producing it, the energy is committed and has to be used or the money committed to generate is lost. So managing energy is becoming a paramount issue not only for generators but for users as well. Picture yourself as a huge energy user like a manufacturing plant, say building tractors like International Harvester.
How much rainwater are you storing, what temperature is your ceiling, how many cubes of air are you churning, what is your carbon dioxide level, what amperage is being used to pump the air to the ovens, and how many watts of heat are being produced? All questions that even a fair energy manager would want to know. It’s called operational efficiency. Software is the answer.
Now more than ever, energy management is of paramount importance. And rightfully so considering that buildings are one of the heaviest consumers of natural resources and account for a significant amount of the greenhouse gases that affect climate change.
iBPortal™ is a Web-enabled interactive kiosk software with modules that can provide education and awareness about “green” and sustainability. Combined with live and historical building data, it creates a powerful teaching tool and generates recognition for environmental stewardship.
The Web-based tool affords the user an opportunity to display live data gauges to show users their energy efficiency or consumption. Users can also view 2D or 3D system animation to learn how PV, HVAC, geothermal, daylighting or other sustainable systems work and create energy savings.
Quality Attributes iBPortal
The information allows owners to better manage their properties, reduce costs and increase their return on their investment. Anything that uses or generates energy – such as water, gas, electric or steam – can be monitored.
iBPortal™ collects data from meters, sensors and building automation/control systems. Information is then used to calculate efficiency, performance, carbon footprint, return on investment and many other key performance indicators. If the device or system can communicate, the Quality Attributes Software can analyze the information and turn that data into action.
While iBPortal™ information can be easily accessed through your computer, it is also available on a wall-mounted LCD screen or on an upright standalone enclosure.
iBPortal™ provides all the information that’s necessary to make intelligent business decisions,” Grabowski said. “Facility managers can use this data to determine a course of action, whether it’s to improve efficiency or reduce consumption.”
Quality Attributes Software is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council.
iBPortal™ is a trademark of Quality Attributes Software.
ABOUT QUALITY ATTRIBUTES SOFTWARE
Founded in 2003, Quality Attributes Software (QAS) develops enterprise intelligent building software solutions for the GreenTech and CleanTech industries that include energy monitoring & verification, carbon footprint, ongoing commissioning and renewable energy. Based in Ames, Iowa, QAS is key to behavioral change and education for green building occupants through its GreenTouchscreen product. Quality Attributes Software is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council.
greg@schmalzcommunications.com, 732-785-9317
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