By Rick Russell, RPS Chief Operating Officer
In addition to supporting our members and promoting broader climate action within healthcare, we are working hard to ensure that RPS is an environmentally responsible organisation. We’re delighted this was recognised by the Climate and Health Scorecard Initiative, where RPS secured the top spot in the category for health associations, colleges, societies, and centres of education with premises and staff. We aren’t resting on our laurels and are now turning our London workplace into a ‘Smart Office.’
What’s a Smart Office?
A Smart Office integrates advanced sensor technology and platform systems to continuously monitor and optimise various aspects of the working environment.
Our organisation has invested in sensors and sophisticated platform technology to monitor energy consumption, asset and utility usage and overall system performance within our office premises. These sensors allow real-time data collection on factors including lighting, water usage, heating systems, energy consumption, and air quality.
Benefits of the technology
The deployment of sensor technology has yielded significant benefits, allowing us to identify and address operational inefficiencies that were previously unnoticed. For instance, the sensors revealed underperformance in our solar panel system, prompting interventions to enhance energy generation and reduce reliance on the grid. Additionally, insights from occupancy sensors have enabled us to optimise heating schedules, minimising energy wastage during periods of low occupancy and optimising water usage based on demand, promoting resource conservation.
We have established a proactive approach to monitoring and maintaining our Smart Office systems, ensuring that all components operate within specified parameters. Any deviations from expected performance trigger immediate alerts, enabling timely intervention to prevent potential issues from escalating. This commitment to continuous improvement aligns with our overarching goal of reducing our carbon footprint and fostering environmental sustainability.
Further improvements
As we refine our understanding of operational dynamics and validate the effectiveness of our Smart Office systems, we are poised to leverage this technology to drive further improvements. Once proven successful, we plan to extend the implementation of Smart Office technology to our offices in Edinburgh and Cardiff, thereby maximising the benefits across our organisation.
Adopting Smart Office technology is pivotal in our journey towards sustainability and operational excellence. By harnessing the power of the Internet of Things and data-driven insights, we are enhancing efficiency and productivity and reaffirming our commitment to reducing environmental impact. We remain steadfast in pursuing innovation and continuous improvement, striving to set new benchmarks for responsible business practices in the digital era.
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