Promoting the green benefits of home automation and smart wiring

Copper Development Centre Australia (CDC) recently released a list of helpful hints to assist the electrical industry to highlight the significance of home automation and smart wiring in making homes and buildings more energy efficient. Since homes and commercial buildings account for around 40% of electricity consumption — and 40% of greenhouse gas emissions — automation and smart-wired initiatives that conserve energy can make a significant difference to the environment.

• Install a smart lighting system that automatically switches off or dims lights when not in use. Dimming a light 10% saves 10% in electricity and dimming 25% saves about 20%.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps.
• Install occupancy sensors in bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes, garages, hallways and anywhere else lights may be accidentally left on. The occupancy sensor will shut off the light automatically and can be incorporated as part of a smart lighting system.
• Plug electronics into surge suppressors and switch the strip off when equipment such as computers or home entertainment is not in use, cutting standby power. Some devices can consume as much as 40% of their full running power when in standby mode. Many home automation systems provide the ability to automatically shut off home energy wasters when not in use.
• Replace old air conditioning units with an automated climate control system that will heat or cool with optimal energy efficiency.
• Encourage consumers to look for energy-rating labels when buying electrical appliances.