siliconindia | | MARCH, 202519customer and facility manager-set individual preferences, and real-time and historical data. It applies this complete data set to develop a dynamic thermal model of the building, optimizing occupant comfort and energy savings.The other crucial capability of the AI system is its response to changing levels of occupancy. As the system detects increased occupancy in a given area of the building, not only does it modulate the HVAC system for cooling but also modifies lighting and elevator operations to match the growing activity. As this occurs, the AI system continually monitors energy consumption to optimize maximum efficiency, reconciling building operations with sustainability goals and net-zero aspirations.Flexible Financing Models to Accelerate Green Tech AdoptionIt is well-proven that green technologies and some of the more advanced technologies, such as AI, ML, cloud, and wireless systems, pay for themselves fairly quickly. While it may require paying 2 percent or 5 percent more than traditional systems, customers are sometimes unwilling to make that initial investment. There is ample evidence showing that with these technologies in place, the investment can be easily recouped within two to three years.However, as Fif customers are unwilling to make that initial commitment, various innovative solutions have been developed. For instance, a subscription model can be offered instead of a typical capex project, where payments are made at different stages--such as delivery, installation, commissioning, and post-installation. With a subscription model, payments can be spaced out over three or five years, with a fixed amount paid each month.There are also other models where a certain amount is paid upfront,, followed by variable payments. Another option is the shared savings or opex model, where partners provide the customer with a solution. After covering the initial startup costs, the provider delivers outcomes such as energy savings, enhanced comfort, or increased automation and monitoring. The resulting savings are then shared between the provider and the client, typically over five to seven years. Energy savings tend to be a particularly popular outcome.These models help lower initial barriers for customers, build credibility in the solution's effectiveness, and offer flexibility. If customers want to opt out of the contract and buy the solution directly, they are free to do so for a quoted price. By putting forward such flexible formats and including financing as an option, companies focused on sustainability hope to render sustainable products more affordable to more people.Powering Sustainability Through Strategic PartnershipsStrategic collaborations have become essential, since one company cannot address all the issues that exist across industries. That is why partnerships are worth so much. For example, companies will enter into partnerships with some of the biggest utilities in the area, which provide customers with a full spectrum of energy efficiency solutions. Solutions can be anything from solar power to building energy management systems such as 75F and EV charging stations.In other cases, collaborations often involve large OEMs providing equipment, while partners add control layers, creating bundled market solutions. These partnerships can cover engineering, product bundling, sales strategies, or financial structuring sometimes all, sometimes selectively. The goal is to simplify access to energy-efficient solutions and enhance service through a unified approach, accelerating the adoption of sustainable technologies across industries.Looking AheadAs buildings get smarter and customers become more sophisticated, they are likely to have their buildings running completely automated, wanting them to be smart, proactive, and extremely energy efficient. They may utilize voice and hand gesture-based controls to get the structures to do as they want. These are the emerging trends and technologies, and the team believes they are well-placed to be a part of this movement, which is being driven by the necessity of sustainability, government regulations, and changing client needs.
< Page 9 | Page 11 >