Green security

In March 2018, the Siemens Building Technologies Division joined buildingSMART International (bSI) as a member of the Strategic Advisory Council and several National Chapters. Siemens is the first building technology vendor to become part of this international not-for-profit organisation. buildingSMART International bSI is the creator of the ‘openBIM’ data format which defines open, vendor-neutral international standards for BIM (Building Information Modelling). These standards are essential in order to promote rapid digitalisation in the built asset sector. BIM is a digitally assisted, future-proof, holistic process for planning, constructing and operating buildings BIM is a digitally assisted, future-proof, holistic process for planning, constructing and operating buildings and helps boost productivity in the construction industry. It affects all stakeholders involved in the building process – from building owners, architects and planners to building technology vendors, property operators and facility managers, to demolition and disposal companies. The virtual building process has enormous benefits: the data model generated in the planning phase of a building can be used across all other phases in the building's lifecycle. In the construction phase, it is possible to test construction plans and ideas in virtual space to assess their practical feasibility. Physical construction work does not start until the simulation has been successful. In addition, BIM makes it possible to optimise energy efficiency measures and to factor in future changes in usage right in the planning phase. This results in substantial cost savings in the subsequent operating phase, which accounts for 80 per cent of a building's lifecycle costs. BIM makes it possible to optimise energy efficiency measures and to factor in future changes in usage Siemens Building Technologies Matthias Rebellius, CEO of Siemens Building Technologies explains, "Our membership of bSI underpins our clear commitment to BIM and incorporates our building digitalisation expertise into bSI's groundbreaking standardisation efforts. This will allow us to take the next major step together toward optimising all phases in the building lifecycle." Richard Petrie, CEO at bSI concludes, "Siemens' decision to join buildingSMART as a Strategic Member is a very significant endorsement of the importance of our solutions and standards work, our vision and the strength of our community. Siemens' scale and professionalism will be of huge assistance as buildingSMART gears up to address the growing work programmes demanded by the uptake of openBIM and digital ways of working in the built asset sector." BIM data from Siemens Building Technologies is currently available for more than 1,200 products including field devices, automation and fire safety products. More data is being added, with plans to increase the BIM data pool to encompass more than 2,000 products.

The National Security Inspectorate’s (NSI) team of 34 full-time, expert auditors recently gathered in Maidenhead to participate in advanced training and sharing of best practice, as part of their continual development. This unique, highly respected team clocks up on average 3.25 million miles each year, fulfilling around 3500 audit days across more than 1800 approved companies.  As part of its commitment to raising standards within the industry, NSI’s audit team is increasingly adopting hybrid powered vehicles which deliver low emissions and excellent fuel economy. “Up to 37 miles of my daily commute to audits can be completed on electric only power, as I charge my car every night. It’s beneficial knowing I can select electric mode when driving through residential and city areas, thus reducing pollution,” advises NSI Auditor Doug Malcolm. Having owned a hybrid vehicle prior to starting my employment with NSI, it was an easy decision to opt for one" Zero emission zones NSI Auditor Dave Bartram comments: “Having owned a hybrid vehicle prior to starting my employment with NSI, it was an easy decision to opt for one. I’m not an eco-warrior but I do feel passionate about contributing to cleaner emissions. As discussions are underway with respect to zero emission zones in major city centres, the continued ability to drive into zero emission zones is a great positive." "I believe we will see more and more of these types of vehicles in the coming years, as the benefits far out way the future impacts and limitations of solely combustion engine cars.” NSI’s forward-looking approach to its vehicle fleet is just one of the ways in which the UK’s leading certification body in the security and fire safety sectors is delivering greater efficiency and environmental benefits. The organisation’s integrated audit policy has been a welcome and proactive step, benefitting its clients through cost saving as well as delivering the environmental benefit of fewer road miles.

QNAP Systems, Inc. has released the QSW-1208-8C (twelve-port) and QSW-804-4C (eight-port) 10GbE/NBASE-T unmanaged switches to help home and small business users upgrade their networks to accommodate 10GbE speeds for bandwidth-demanding tasks. The NBASE-T-based switch delivers a cost-effective solution for improving network performance while using existing Cat 5e, 6 and 6a cables. The QSW-1208-8C has twelve ports, including four SFP+ (fibre) and eight SFP+ (fibre)/ RJ45 (copper) combo ports while the QSW-804-4C has eight ports, including four SFP+ (fibre) and four SFP+ (fibre)/ RJ45 (copper) combo ports to ensure an optimised investment in 10GbE networking. The QSW-1208-8C and QSW-804-4C are also backward compatible with legacy devices and support the IEEE 802.3az (Energy Efficient Ethernet, EEE) standard for reducing power consumption while maintaining high network performance and quality.  "The QNAP unmanaged switch series is excellent for home and small business users," said Ken Cheah, Product Manager of QNAP. "The versatility of these 10GbE switches allows users of 10GbE-equipped QNAP NAS and virtually all 10GbE/NBASE-T-ready servers to fully leverage the high-speed potential of their devices, services, and infrastructure for greatly improving workflows and enhancing day-to-day tasks." Near-silent operationThe QSW-1208-8C and QSW-804-4C can function as a desktop-based or rackmount-based solution The QSW-1208-8C and QSW-804-4C can function as a desktop-based or rackmount-based solution (a free rackmount kit is included in the package). Both switches feature a sleek modern design to blend in with other devices in digital homes and offices. The smart fan mechanism enables efficient heat dissipation to ensure high performance while staying near-silent for minimising background noise. The following are the key specifications: QSW-1208-8C: 12-port (4 SFP+ fibre ports, 8 SFP+/ RJ45 copper combo ports) QSW-804-4C: 8-port (4 SFP+ fibre ports, 4 SFP+/ RJ45 copper combo ports) Dual desktop/rackmount; 5-speed (10GBASE-T/5GBASE-T/2.5GBASE-T/1000BASE-T/100BASE-TX), IEEE 802.3az compliant. The QSW-1208-8C unmanaged switch is available; the QSW-804-4C will be available in April 2018.

When asked about what the market should be thinking about in 2018, I am left offering an answer that serves as an urgent call to action: prepare yourself for change! The security industry is soon likely to see a dramatic shift from the traditional segmentation of commercial and residential security. Smart phones, mobile technologies, cloud computing, and having everything provided ‘as a service’ in peoples’ lives means users of buildings have a new set of expectations. In many ways, the coming crosspollination of residential and commercial security offerings means we will have a better idea of best practices. The convenience of residential spaces will combine with the robust security of commercial facilities, for example. But this also means a higher level of demand will be placed on security integrators, facility managers and owners. Operations groups may need to change drastically to offer new technologies. Security as a service is likely to become more common. And new technologies are emerging that will facilitate this change and require new skillsets and expertise. So, what the market should be thinking about right now is: how do we all, collectively, keep up? More critical is finding ways to offer or utilise new technologies and total solutions that make operations easier Ensuring security preparedness As it stands now, in terms of physical security for doors and openings, we are currently in a world where we can secure almost anything. Be it hospital, school, file cabinet, server rack, grain silo or barn that is off the electrical grid, we have a solution for that. So being hyper-aware of your industry, its offerings, and how the products work together is important, as it means every location that needs security can have security. But perhaps more critical is finding ways to offer or utilise new technologies and total solutions that make operations easier, moving security components deeper into a building, facility or campus, and building and leveraging on partnerships where everyone is invested in the other’s success. Here are a few suggestions for addressing these issues. Training in new security solutions Perhaps the biggest change in the near term will be emerging technologies that will alter how we currently use security solutions. Be it cloud-based security, intelligent keys, new types of credentials, or simply a better software for management, the need to be well-versed on these offerings is key. To this end, it is important to not only know what offerings exist in the security world, but also be well-trained on them. Seek out a manufacturer that is willing to offer training and education on products, strategies and solutions. While it is important to secure server rooms at the point of entry, it might also make sense to provide a cabinet lock with audit capabilities on the rack or cabinet itself Identifying an end goal Further, approach the integration and implementation of these technologies with a collaborative mindset. For dealers and integrators this means utilising new technologies to better secure a facility for a client. As a building owner or manager, it means making tenant and occupant life better while streamlining your own operations. The ultimate goal of any new technology is to meet customer needs in the very best possible way. And that goal should trickle down from manufacturer to integrator to the facility manager and ultimately the end user. Don’t just implement technology for the sake of doing so. Do it with purpose by identifying an end goal and utilising these amazing solutions to achieve that. Identifying an end goal also means seeking out the core requirements a building has to provide users with the expected level of security and service. This is obviously dependent on the building, and it doesn’t always mean physically moving into a building, but rather looking at ways to move further into the operations of a business. Securing access to buildings Government facilities are undergoing a transition to security requirements dictated by the FICAM programme For some businesses, keeping server racks or file cabinets secure can be critical. And while it is important to secure these rooms at the point of entry, it might also make sense to provide a cabinet lock with audit capabilities on the rack or cabinet itself. New opportunities also fall into this category. Government facilities are currently undergoing a transition to security requirements dictated by the Federal Government’s Identity, Credential, and Access Management (FICAM) programme. FICAM sets standards for implementation of secure access to all government facilities and mandates the use of FIPS 201 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) for federal employees and contractors. This means that PIV enabled access points will be required on the perimeters, interiors and other openings. Finding ways to retrofit these affordably, efficiently and effectively means offering more secure openings on what is likely to be a tight budget. This can also apply to offsite facilities. Earlier I mentioned barns and grain silos – locations that are often left off electrical grids but can come with the need for auditing capabilities – and a solution exists for that. So, while a corporate headquarters might be under robust lock and key, it is always good to ask about other locations that could use a simple security upgrade. Personal Identity Verification-enabled access points will be required on the perimeters, interiors and other openings Establishing security partnerships Again, the best way to achieve readiness with this approach is to be aware of the market and its offerings, and to engage in collaborative partnerships. Collaborative partnerships are critical for everyone who is tasked with protecting the people and places that matter most. Manufacturers rely on the integrators and building supervisors to understand the new and developing needs in the industry. Integrators then must rely on manufacturers to provide these solutions, offer education and training, and be in constant contact about the newest technologies available. Collaborative partnerships are critical for everyone who is tasked with protecting the people and places that matter mostAnd building owners or managers must both be aware of their tenant and end user needs and demands – be it for new technologies or even seeking out sustainability solutions. In turn, they need to know they can rely on a collaborative approach from an integrator and manufacturer who is invested in their success. Industry collaboration for a secure future Again, the biggest thing we must all need to consider now is how to prepare for the future. Treading water is simply not enough in the security market anymore. New technologies and performance expectations are forcing us to consider ways to better serve our clients – whether we are a manufacturer, integrator or in charge of facilities. And the best way to do this is together. We are all invested in the success of one another, and in the people who use the places we strive to keep safe. By seeking out, developing, and cultivating these partnerships in collaboration and innovation, we are able to help one another prepare for the future that is becoming more complex, intriguing and exciting every day.

Homey, the smart home platform developed by the Dutch company Athom, has integrated Vanderbilt’s SPC security systems. This has been announced by Athom and Vanderbilt. The partnership adds the certified security system of Vanderbilt to the popular Smart Home Platform, Homey. The integration allows users to use their security system for other purposes too. “This is useful in many cases,” explains Stefan Witkamp, Commercial Director of Athom. “Take your motion sensors. The sensors you currently use for intruder detection, can now also be used to switch your lighting when you’re at home.” “The integration between Vanderbilt SPC and Homey offers a unique best-of-both-worlds combination: EN 50131-certified security, combined with the versatility of the Homey Smart Home platform,” explains John O'Donnell, Product Manager at Vanderbilt. As the SPC security system operates stand-alone, none of the certifications or assurances are compromised. At the same time, all sensors and data available in the system are available in Homey too, ready to be used in your Smart Home environment. Since all the sensors of the security system show up in Homey individually, users can easily integrate them into their automation scenarios Enhanced security with alarm-based automation “The best thing about this collaboration is the fact that it allows you to get more out of the sensors you already have,” explains Emile Nijssen, Creative Director of Athom. “Therefore, it’s not necessary to purchase double sensors or have parallel systems for both security and Smart Home.” This allows users to enjoy more comfort and more security, without any duplications in hardware, thus saving resources and money.  Enhanced security can be reached by letting Homey automate based on alarm state. For instance, users can create ‘Presence Simulation’ Flows in Homey, which can be activated upon arming the Vanderbilt SPC alarm. Also, lights, audio, TV, and other connected devices can be leveraged to enhance the alarms built into the Vanderbilt security system. Since all the sensors of the security system show up in Homey individually, users can easily integrate them into their automation scenarios. They can have lights in the hallway turn on temporarily when motion is detected there, get a notification if a door or window is open for too long, and turn their TV and heating off when the system is armed to conserve energy.  Smart home sensoring via upgradation The collaboration between Athom and Vanderbilt SPC confirms the versatility of both systems. “The fact that our security system was easily integrated into Homey shows that our system is ready for the future. At the same time, it displays the power of an open Smart Home platform like Homey,” states O'Donnell. “This offers a lot of new opportunities for both of us, and for our installation partners and, most importantly, the end user. We are now able to upgrade security installations to complete sensoring Smart Homes in minutes through Homey. That’s the real power of collaboration.”

ASSA CLIQ Remote from ASSA ABLOY, producer of door-opening solutions, is a finalist in this year’s UK Housing Awards, for helping to revolutionise Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council’s (RMBC) repairs and maintenance processes for void properties. With approximately 2,000 empty properties to manage every year, RMBC required a key management solution that would simplify its operations, eliminate the need for physical key handovers and cut costs. ASSA CLIQ Remote with wireless technology Shortlisted in the category ‘Outstanding Approach to Repairs and Maintenance’, ASSA CLIQ Remote has allowed RMBC to improve key management and speed up its repair and maintenance practices on void properties. ASSA CLIQ Remote uses wireless technology to give key holders – regardless of location – remote access to a property through a single key. By eliminating the need for physical key handovers, ASSA CLIQ Remote has drastically reduced time spent travelling between jobs, saving maintenance staff and contractors valuable time, resulting in properties being re-let quicker. Improved operational efficiencies As a result, ASSA CLIQ Remote is saving RMBC approximately 40 hours of time every week. The reduction re-let times has allowed RMBC to deliver an additional £60,000 a year in rental income revenue, enabling the council to use its budget and resources elsewhere. The improved operational efficiencies are also helping lower the council’s environmental impact. RMBC staff or contractors performing repair and maintenance do not need to travel to physically handover keys, reducing the council’s carbon footprint and fleet expenses. Low risk of compromised keys Finally, the system is reducing the risk of lost or copied keys being compromised as well. If a key is lost or stolen, access rights can be deactivated straightaway. Simon Wilson, National Sales Manager for ASSA CLIQ Remote, said: “The Chartered Institute of Housing’s awards are one of the most prestigious for the UK’s housing sector. We are delighted that our work with RMBC has been nominated in the category of ‘Outstanding Approach to Repairs and Maintenance.” “In the social housing sector, the pressure to re-let houses as quickly as possible and work to tight budgets should not be underestimated. Nevertheless, properties will inevitably stand empty between tenancies, while staff and contractors carry out the necessary repairs and maintenance to a home.” Efficient solution to key management “ASSA CLIQ Remote has provided a simple solution to the issue of key management and key control for void properties. With physical key handovers no longer necessary, maintenance workers spend less time travelling between jobs, and void properties can be turned around and re-let quicker, whilst improving the council’s sustainability credentials.” “ASSA CLIQ Remote also ensures lost keys are no longer a security risk, and the council’s time and budget can be used more effectively. The system is a fantastic solution for managing void properties, and we are pleased the cost-savings and efficiencies it’s delivering are being recognised.” The 2018 UK Housing Awards will take place on Wednesday 2 May at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel in London.

An £8.7m visitor centre to open up access to one of the East End’s ‘open-air lungs’ has been completed at a strategic 500-acre Thames Water site. The Walthamstow Wetlands project allows visitors to enjoy and learn about the Walthamstow Reservoirs’ distinctive built and natural heritage, which is unique in London. Because the area includes water treatment stations and other operational sites, it needed protection to separate public areas from CNI zones, for which Thames Water has ordered security fencing through Binns Fencing. Binns have installed ArmaWeave, HiSec and Axiom steel mesh from parent company Zaun around strategic Thames Water assets, while Duo fencing, sliding gates and railings have been included at all main entrances. Oak Habitat gates and post and wire fencing provide a more natural boundary to non-secure areas. The principal contractor of the project was London-based construction company Rooff, a family-run business with a track record stretching back 100 years. The area’s distinctive nature stems from the site’s importance as a historic operational landscape that supplies drinking water to London, and its rich biodiversity, which is of international importance for water birds.The concept is to create a ‘green core’ of naturalised landscape at the heart of the reservoir complex Safe naturalised landscape                      The concept is to create a ‘green core’ of naturalised landscape at the heart of the reservoir complex with a generous pathway through the centre of the site and connecting to the strategic pedestrian and cycle route through the middle of the Lee Valley. The project was designed by architect Witherford Watson Mann and landscape architects KLA, with engineers P3r and TALL, consultants Studio Dekka and collaborating organisation Counterculture also involved. The reservoirs’ importance as a potential nature reserve was recognised as early as 1945 by Professor Patrick Abercrombie, who said, “A series of great reservoirs [is] acquiring a charm of [its] own as trees grow round them and on their little islands – they are becoming nature reserves for large numbers of birds and the resort of privileged fisherman.” “These areas are a great open-air lung to the crowded East End – their preservation is essential...Every piece of open land should be welded into a great regional reservation.”

Hikvision cameras and a specially designed SKOV VMS allows handlers to monitor the pigs Hikvision worked with farm management solutions provider SKOV to bring the art of weighing pigs into the 21st Century, with the help of mini-dome cameras and a bespoke VMS system. The pig is one of the most populous large mammals in the world, with an estimated 986.6 million pigs at any one time. This also means, of course, that piggeries are big business, as pork is the most commonly meat consumed worldwide. Part of managing a piggery is to ensure that each pig is able to grow to its full potential. The average weight of a pig at market is 275 lbs, but keeping an eye on the weight of individual animals can be tricky. If a pig is smaller than it pen-mates, it is likely to be pushed away when it comes to feeding time. This means it will not grow to its full size. In this situation, pig farmers may move the smaller pigs into a separate pen, so they can get to the food and ‘catch up’ with their larger brothers and sisters. Methods and challenges But how do you weigh a pig? Traditional methods involved a tape measure and many hands and were, of course, very time consuming to complete. And that was without the math part at the end! Later methods saw farmers installing weighing apparatus, which was costly, and also time consuming with handlers needing to ‘persuade’ individual pigs onto the scales. Another issue with this system was that accuracy could be affected, as it was hard to tell if the scales had just one pig on them. “The pig handlers need to drag the pigs physically to the scales, which is not only very hard, time-consuming work, but also stresses the pig out”, said Kasper Ronn Christensen, Strategic Purchaser at SKOV. “Stressed pigs don’t eat, which also affects their growth rate.” Hikvision cameras and SKOV VMS solution Enter a whole new innovative solution, using Hikvision cameras and a specially designed SKOV VMS. After testing various cameras, SKOV approached Hikvision because of the competitive price and clear, reliable pictures even at only 2MP resolution. That, combined with the ability to build a firmware specifically for their needs, persuaded SKOV to work with Hikvision. Between four and eight 2-line mini-dome cameras (DS-2CD2142FWD-I (4mm)) are placed in the pigpens, to allow handlers to see what’s going on and to monitor the growth progress of the pigs. These specific cameras were chosen because of the low amount of spare space in a pigpen and the importance of an affordable solution. Weight calculation and monitoring “We were looking for a solution that could be used by piggeries all over the world”, says Kasper Ronn Christensen. “That meant we needed to make it simple, practical and affordable. The fact that, even at a relatively low resolution of 2MP, clear actionable pictures were consistently available made these cameras a smart choice.” Connection to the SKOV VMS means that the pigs’ weights can be calculated and so monitored. The VMS also gives alarms if a pig doesn’t follow the required growth rate, so steps can be taken. The success of the project in Denmark means it can be replicated all over the world to help piggeries to manage their pigs and make sure they maximise their potential. SKOV is offering the solution to all regions with piggeries, including in Thailand, where they have a subsidiary. Digitalised smart farming systems “The cameras are integrated and working as expected, so we can look to the future”, says Kasper Ronn Christensen. “We are really impressed with the way Hikvision adapted their firmware to our needs. I also love the innovative approach - who would have thought that a technology that was designed to help spot intruders could be used to ensure pigs grew to the correct weight!” Peter Guan, Channel and Marketing Director at Hikvision Europe, said: “We are heading to a future where traditional farming is digitalised into smart farming, where surveillance cameras are not only used for crime prevention at the farms, but also as useful tools for farmers. Hikvision’s ecosystem partner program allows easy software and hardware integration so that end users can benefit from an innovative and more powerful complete solution.”

ISD-Tech has installed 600 channels of surveillance video at over 30 solar farms across the UK For many years Network Video Technologies (NVT), has supplied an unparalleled choice of high-performance and cost-effective solutions for Solar Plant surveillance applications across Europe and America. With the recent introduction of Solar Plants to the UK, British power producers are now reaping the benefits of NVT transmission technology when securing these high-value sites. To date, Integrated Security Design Ltd (ISD-Tech), has installed 600 channels of surveillance video at over 30 solar farms across the UK; gaining an industry-wide reputation for providing high-quality, high-performance CCTV systems in these harsh RFI environments. Based on a common specification, the installations have all featured NVT UTP CCTV Hybrid Video™ technology to provide interference immune high-quality CCTV image transmission, over distances of up to 1.6km (1 mile). Nicky Stokes, MD of ISD-Tech takes up the story: “We first became involved with solar plants when we expanded one of our existing customer’s sites using NVT technology. Since then, we have become known as an industry authority on the subject of solar plant CCTV design and installation. Our in-house design team pride themselves on guiding our customers through the entire installation, from conception, through CAD design, to installation and remote maintenance.” The NVT advantage Specified by ISD-Tech as an alternative cable medium versus the use of coax, Cat5 UTP is used to provide the cornerstone of their high-performance CCTV video transmission solution. The use of flexible UTP cable permits simple and quick installations, and has helped to minimise engineering time on-site and disruption to site operations - with the associated cost saving and project management benefits this brings. “This is a critical factor at these solar sites,” explains Nicky. “The use of NVT transmission technology has been so successful that it has been included at each site, as part of the authorised technical specification. The NVT product is of such a high-quality that we are happy to include this in all future installations." Economical performance Providing an economical deployment of NVT technology, the ISD-Tech installations employ NVT NV-214A-M single NVT technology has been integrated at the sites to provide the best of both analogue CCTV and digital video transmission solutions channel video transceivers at each static camera, and transmit video via Cat5 UTP to  NVT NV-1642 16-Channel StubEQ™ Active Receiver Hubs, connected locally to a digital video recorder (DVR). From the DVR, images are encoded onto a WAN for distribution to a remote control room, which centrally monitors all the solar plant sites 24/7. “This design template is also readily expandable,” continues Nicky. “It’s simple and cost-effective to cater for theaddition of new cameras to cover newly expanded areas of the solar fields, as and when they are required. “Unlike some of the cheaper UTP baluns that many of our installation competitors use, thanks to NVT’s unique ‘built-in’ interference immunity, we are able to install NVT UTP cables in ducting alongside the sites’ main power transmission infrastructure. It’s very reassuring to know that we can rely on NVT products to be totally unaffected by the proximity of huge RFI power sources, and deliver perfect camera images to the control room." Another benefit is that the end-user doesn’t have to pay for expensive separate cable ducting to be installed. “The current flow of each solar field changes throughout the day, posing quite a challenge to video transmission - as high-power outputs are produced by the solar fields at mid day, falling with the onset of evening. This is where the automatic adjustment of camera video signal by NVT DigitalEQ™ technology comes into its own, providing a solution by continuously adjusting signal levels to ensure that the same great image quality is transmitted back to the equipment room - no matter what the available light or electrical conditions.” Best of both worlds Solar fields across the UK are monitored by the combined digital and analogue technology from NVT NVT technology has been integrated at the sites to provide the best of both analogue CCTV and digital video transmission solutions. High-quality NVT analogue camera signals are distributed to an on-site DVR, to afford the best possible quality of recorded images for investigative/evidential purposes. In addition, both live and recorded camera images are encoded for browser-based monitoring. “This means the power provider can secure and protect the solar fields, whilst also meeting their duty of care responsibilities – ensuring any trespassers can be identified and stopped quickly,” explains Nicky. “Due to the large electrical currents they produce, solar fields can be hazardous places. Our CCTV systems have proven to provide a very effective security and management tool, ensuring only authorised personnel gain site access.” Thanks to the installation expertise of ISD-Tech engineers, NVT UTP CCTV video transmission products are yielding significant savings, superior image quality and consistency of interference free camera video in Solar Plant surveillance systems across the UK. The NVT based CCTV installations have a track-record of providing a flexible, future-proof security and management aid, that can protect infrastructure and capital investment at these cutting-edge power generation facilities. In the future, many more sites will benefit from ISD-Tech’s technical know-how, as the company plans to install the same CCTV system specification at 40 more solar farms across the UK.

Johnson Controls provided guidance and support for the project team, using Green Compass, a software application tool and services Parrish Medical Center (PMC), a state of Florida tax district entity, operates as a not-for-profit hospital serving North Brevard County, Florida, since 1958. PMC, based in Titusville, has continuously expanded its services and facilities to meet the needs of a growing community. Building for sustainability is a natural extension of Parrish Medical Center’s commitment to the creation of patient-centered healing experiences. PMC leadership and staff believe that the physical environment can play a significant role in patient care. This belief is evidenced by the center’s collaboration with Johnson Controls to use green design and a lifecycle approach in the construction of its new outpatient facility, Parrish Healthcare Center at Port St. John. The facility earned the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) silver certification for a healthcare outpatient building in the state of Florida. The certification recognises high-performance buildings that benefit the occupants as well as the environment. The new outpatient healthcare campus is meeting the needs of the growing population in Port St. John, a community located just 20 miles south of the main hospital. The 33-acre site includes nature trails and a wildlife preserve land allocation, which is a LEED credit. Approximately 60 healthcare professionals and support staff work at the 72,500-squarefoot center, which houses diagnostic imaging, physical therapy and rehabilitation, a sleep-disorder lab and physician’s offices. “We’re proud to have built a facility that is what the community asked for. Too often a facility is created with little or no community input, which was not the case here,” says Chris Fox, director of the Parrish Healthcare Center at Port St. John. “The fact that the new Port St. John health care center is also ‘green’ is a tremendous benefit for the community and a reason for them to be proud of what they created with Parrish, “adds Christopher Male, FACHE, medical center developer, responsible for select facility development projects at PMC. Collaborative approach to building for sustainability PMC’s vision of creating the best healing experience for patients on a continuous basis helped shape the design of the new outpatient center. Hospital leadership understands that building for sustainability requires a long-term, lifecycle approach and smart decisions throughout the construction process. By taking a collaborative approach with the design and construction team and Johnson Controls, PMC was successful in bringing together different professional perspectives and then deciding what is best, based on healthy, patient-centered outcomes. To assist with this process Johnson Controls conducted an Innovation Services workshop with key stakeholders and the design team to help explore approaches for cost-effectively integrating systems, infrastructure and technology. The workshop provided a forum for defining and communicating PMC’s vision and objectives, and aligning the building design and technology with those goals. Innovation Services’ collaborative process allowed internal and external stakeholders to be involved early in the planning and helped meet one of the primary goals uncovered in the workshop – that all stakeholders in the new project succeed together to win. In addition, Innovation Services improved the upfront planning process, which helped meet the goal of remaining on budget and meeting individual expectations. Serving as the LEED accredited professional for the project, Johnson Controls provided guidance and support for the project team, using Green Compass, a software application tool and services which allowed the priorities defined in the workshop to be aligned with the LEED rating system. By aligning with the LEED objectives defined in this process, PMC was able to impact mission-critical goals. As the green building advocate with Male, Johnson Controls assessed the design with the project team as well as evaluated credits for cost, payback and mission alignment to establish the certification scope. Johnson Controls further reviewed all design documents, offering design assistance and bringing lifecycle considerations to the table that would provide savings in both first costs and operational costs while assuring project goals were met. A model of the building’s energy consumption created by the design team was reviewed by Johnson Controls, which allowed a performance guarantee to be tied to the project. Another way that the team managed project costs, was to leverage Novation, a contracting services company that helps manage and reduce supply costs for VHA, University Healthsystem Consortium and Provista. Johnson Controls also serves as the facility lifecycle performance partner, helping ensure that long-term energy consumption for HVAC equipment and lighting will remain within a specific range required for LEED certification. A Johnson Controls Metasys® building management system allows for the measurement and verification of energy use, which contributes to LEED project goals. Johnson Controls is responsible for maintaining the building controls, security system and HVAC equipment Specifically, Johnson Controls served as the design assist and construction manager for the critical building systems including mechanical, plumbing, electrical, building controls, information technology and security systems. This included management of subcontractors and installation of the Metasys system and a Johnson Controls P2000 security management system. Additionally, Johnson Controls recommended and installed a YORK® air-cooled chiller instead of the packaged rooftop unit specified in earlier project designs. The air-cooled chiller resulted in lower installation and operating costs. Johnson Controls is responsible for maintaining the building controls, security system and HVAC equipment under a service agreement. LEED supports hospital’s design approach PMC leadership chose to pursue the LEED approach to new construction after learning about it from leaders in the field of sustainable design, including Johnson Controls. “LEED supports our evidence-based design approach by incorporating elements we’ve found to be important to healing while providing additional benefits to our operations.” says Male. “Interesting similarities exist between evidence-based design and LEED. By combining the two we can maximise benefits to patients, the environment, clinical performance and administrative efficiency,” adds Fox. Evidence-based design seeks to identify the effect of the environment on patients and staff, and guide decisions. Research indicates that environments play an integral role in healing the body, mind and spirit. Pursuing LEED helped to achieve a “healthy building,” one of seven elements of a healing environment that PMC wanted to provide the community. Other elements include nature, colour, healthy lighting, physical security, wayfinding and cultural responsiveness. As the LEED certification consultant, Johnson Controls collaborated with PMC staff and the design team from concept to completion to achieve a design based on patient-centered outcomes that meet LEED requirements. To receive certification, criteria must be met in six broad categories including sustainable site development, water conservation, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation and design. Johnson Controls assisted PMC in the LEED submittal process. “The LEED certification process served as a guide for creating something that is much more than just a building,” says Male. “We feel we have created a destination that will positively affect everyone who comes into contact with it.” Design incorporates seven elements of a healing environment: Nature The greenfield site development and design emphasises the natural beauty. The existing ecology was respected by incorporating the vegetation into the design. The natural, healing elements transition into the interior by placing plants and a fountain in the atrium. Colour and healthy lighting “We feel we have created a destination that will positively affect everyone who comes into contact with it” These two elements are complementary and are considered together. The choice of interior finishes respect the colour and texture of the site’s vegetation. Bright finishes and sophisicated lighting contribute to the healing environment. Healthy building The interior building materials use recycled content, emit low VOCs and are easily maintained, which enhance the building’s sustainability. Incorporating quiet patient areas and designing for patient flow creates a therapeutic environment. Physical security A state-of-the-art Johnson Controls security system protects patients, visitors and employees. The center is built to withstand 130 mph winds and is above the 100-year flood plain. Wayfinding  Good wayfinding such as clear and visible graphics and signage, which denote different areas of the building, create a sense of place. Cultural responsiveness The center contains colours, fabric textures and artwork that are specific to the local habitat. Parrish Healthcare Center at Port St. John incorporated the following features in order to qualify for LEED certification: Sustainable site development Building footprint is equal to or less than the surrounding space Storm water is managed and treated Reflective roofing material reduces heat gain Preferred parking available to high efficiency, alternative fuel vehicles and carpoolers Bicycle racks and showers available Light retained on-site at PMC and at minimal levels to reduce light pollution to surrounding areas Water conservation Use of native vegetation requires 50% less watering Holding ponds trap rain water for use in irrigation Low-flow plumbing fixtures reduce water usage by 20% Dual flush toilets, waterless urinals reduce water usage by 30% Johnson Controls Metasys building management system allows for the measurement and verification of energy use Energy and atmosphere High-efficiency lighting incorporates occupancy and daylighting sensors High-efficiency YORK HVAC equipment uses the least harmful refrigerants Integrated Johnson Controls Metasys building management system used for measurement and verification Materials and resources Implemented policies and procedures for recycling 50% of construction waste was diverted from landfills 10% of construction materials contain recycled content 60% of manufactured materials were obtained within 500 miles of the site Indoor environmental quality No smoking policy established Indoor air quality management plan implemented for subcontractors Low VOC adhesives, sealants, paints, carpeting and composite woods were used Metasys system monitors and controls HVAC equipment for maximised efficiency and thermal comfort within ASHRAE standards Metasys system maintains indoor air quality by monitoring CO2 levels and introducing outside air when necessary Building flushed out prior to occupancy Innovation and design Implemented Johnson Controls Sustainable Energy & Education Communications program for Parrish Heathcare Center staff Educational kiosk informs visitors and patients of sustainable features Implemented high-performance green housekeeping program Johnson Controls provided multiple, LEED-accredited professionals from concept through completion Land dedicated to nature preserve provides healthy healing environment and provides habitat for endangered Scrub-Jay

Employees access the key control system by scanning their employee ID badge / access card The Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati uses a KeyWatcher® key control and management system by Morse Watchmans to safeguard the keys to the District's vans, bulldozers, cranes, service trucks and cars, and make the keys available to authorised employees whenever they are needed. Six 48-key KeyWatcher cabinets store about 180 keys used by the district's 150 employees to serve wastewater collection needs.  Some keys are restricted to individual employees or to small groups, and the keys are stored in the various KeyWatcher cabinets according to the department that uses them. Employees access the key control system by scanning their employee ID badge/access card, which has an embedded RFID chip.  “Before the key control system was adopted, keys were stored on a pegboard in the Sewer District with spare keys kept in a box, which was not a good system,” said Rahn A. Wuest, Wastewater Collections (WWC) Supervisor of Cincinnati's Metropolitan Sewer District. “KeyWatcher now makes it easy to access and control keys, providing more convenience for employees and keeping our vehicles and equipment safe and secure.”  Each key is attached by a stainless steel locking ring to a SmartKey with an identification chip. SmartKeys fit into key slots in KeyWatcher key control cabinets, which keep track of who removed any key, when it was taken and when it was returned. KeyPro III software tracks the keys and sends emails automatically when a key has not been returned. The software can also limit access to certain keys only to authorised employees. The system can help identify who was driving a vehicle at a certain time, for example, if there is a report of a District vehicle speeding or running a traffic light. With fewer lost keys, there is less need to put spare keys into service.  “The installation at Cincinnati's Sewer District demonstrates the value of the KeyWatcher system to improve management and accountability of employees accessing a fleet of vehicles and equipment,” said Fernando Pires, VP Sales and Marketing, Morse Watchmans. “Keeping keys safe and knowing who accesses keys boosts overall efficiency and security at an affordable cost.” 

The first LEED certified green building in Malta, SCMO1 covers 12,000m2 of office space over The SituationSituated at the heart of SmartCity Malta, ‘SCM01’ is a commercial building covering 12,000m² of office space spread over seven storeys, providing a series of flexible office suites together with shared facilities and ample parking for knowledge workers and visitors.SmartCity Malta is continuously striving towards excellence andcommitting to green policies. Consecutively, SmartCity Malta’sdevelopment is planned in studied phases with technologicallyadvanced green buildings that enable its tenants to operate in a secure, comfortable and safe environment.In line with its commitment, SCM01 is the first LEED certified green building in Malta. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an internationally recognised green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building has been designed and built in a way intended to improve performance in metrics such as energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emission reduction and improved indoor environmental quality. To underline this efficiency commitment, it was important that the technology within building SCM01 would contribute towards it achieving LEED certification.A key element in optimising SCM01’s efficiency was enabling the Honeywell Pro-Watch® security management system to share signals with the Tridium Building Management System (BMS). As a result, SmartCity Malta required a mechanism that would aid in seamlessly integrating the two systems.SmartCity Malta invited Building Services consultants from ‘Scicluna & Associates’ to determine the most appropriate solution, who in turn selected systems integrator ‘Engineering for Science and Industry (ESI) Malta Ltd’ to manage the design and installation. OmniASSURE MIFARE card readers wereinstalled to monitor access control cards presented at door entry The SolutionA Honeywell Pro-Watch® Corporate Edition security system was installed to control the access of SCM01’s 30 doors and ESI Malta Ltd also provided detailed expertise integrating the Pro-Watch system with the Tridium BMS by producing a specific adapter using the Honeywell Software Development Kit (HSDK). This adapter enables Pro-Watch and the BMS to efficiently share each other’s input and output signals. Also as part of the security system, intruder detection and video surveillance products were installed. OmniAssure™ MIFARE card readers from Honeywell are also installed to monitor when an access control card is presented at door entry and exit points. Using Honeywell PW6000 intelligent controllers, Pro-Watch sends signals to the BMS whenever an access control card is presented to one of the readers. The access control cards can be programmed with cardholder’s credentials including their personalised preferences for temperature and lighting settings. Due to the integration with the BMS, these settings are then applied based upon the person’s location within the building.The BMS also receives inputs from other security and safety related systems which are now displayed and recorded via Pro-Watch too. Such systems include; fire alarm (where the individual ‘fire zone’ is identified), emergency lighting, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), back-up power generator, water leakage alarm, IT infrastructure and voice alarm system. For example, when an emergency event such as a fire alarm is triggered, the system automatically records and displays video images of the specific zone. Equally, in the event of a failure with the UPS, an alarm is shown via the Pro-Watch interface. Honeywell IP OTZ mini dome and boxcameras survey the public areas in theSCM01 building Video surveillance of the public areas is carried out with Honeywell IP PTZ mini dome and box cameras. The high definition images are captured and managed by the Honeywell MAXPRO® VMS video management system which also integrates with Pro-Watch. MAXPRO VMS gives the security team at SmartCity Malta complete control over all video sources. This includes control of live video from the cameras and enabling them to view video captured before, during and after every alarm/event received from Pro-Watch. Intruder detection is also integrated via the Pro-Watch system. Sturdy and reliable DUAL TEC® motion sensors and door contacts from Honeywell are installed throughout the building. Alarm outputs triggered from these are managed by MAXPRO VMS and live video instantly shows the area in question on the video wall. At the same time, the BMS sounds a siren and increases the brightness of the lights in the area where the intruder is located.The BenefitsAn Efficient BuildingIn line with SmartCity Malta’s green commitment, SCM01 is one of the first buildings in Malta that has achieved such a high standard for a technologically-advanced green building, enabling its tenants to operate in an efficient, comfortable and productive environment. The system can continuously check the occupation status of each room / zone by monitoring the presence of access control cardholders and adjusting the lighting and flow of fresh air accordingly. Lights are turned on automatically when rooms become occupied and turned off when they become vacant. In addition, CO2 sensors installed within the premises send signals to the BMS which combine with inputs from Pro-Watch to regulate the amount of fresh air delivered to each room depending on occupancy. Similarly, air flow and lighting is adjusted within meeting rooms when a visitor’s access card is presented. High definition images werecaptured by Honeywell IP PTZmini dome and box cameraswere managed by HoneywellMAXPRO VMS Since the BMS is integrated to other infrastructure systems and equipment within the building which are not directly related to security, critical alarm statuses and conditions from these systems are sent and recorded as events in Pro-Watch. This innovative feature gives the operators visibility of the status of other building infrastructure services which in turn enhances the safety and business continuity of the building occupants and owners.The data from the BMS, which includes inputs from Pro-Watch, also provides new energy-analytic reporting tools and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The SmartCity Malta management team use these statistics to monitor and measure the performance of the building as part of a continual process of measurement and verification of installed building systems. These readings ensure that the building operates as intended and maintains operational efficiencies. Competitive edgeProviding a state-of-the-art Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure with a converged BMS and security system within a technologically-advanced green building not only underpins SmartCity Malta’s corporate responsibility towards the environment, but it allows it to differentiate itself from other commercial buildings and developments to help attract worldwide ICT brands as tenants. SCM01 allows tenants to operatein an efficient, comfortable andproductive environment Optimum security and convenienceVia Pro-Watch, the BMS assesses the occupation levels of the building 24/7. At night time, to optimise security, additional footpath and car park lighting can be turned on when any cardholders working late leave the building. One easy-to-use systemThe security team manages and controls the system via a dynamic, graphical user interface- the ‘Alarm and Event Monitor’, which displays clearly all alarm statuses and conditions from the BMS and Pro-Watch. For added convenience the interface is integrated with computer tablets and smart phones for access away from the control room.The MAXPRO VMS system enables the IP video cameras to be controlled with ease and any images to be displayed clearly on the bank of monitors. Operators are quickly and clearly alerted to alarm events and incidents, and video pursuit is possible via motion detection using a set of surrounding cameras.Partner of choiceEngineering for Science and Industry (Malta) Ltd.Engineering for Science and Industry (Malta) Ltd. is an ISO9001-2000 certified registered company who are specialists in the design, installation and commissioning of automation and specialist solutions within the following generic fields:• Building Energy Management Systems• Industrial and Process Automation and controls• Security and Safety Systems• Home Automation With many years of experience and specialised knowledge, ESI is able to provide a wide range of services encompassing all aspects of the Automated Controls, security and Safety Engineering Industry.