Envelo
Innovation overview and development
An overview of the digital innovation
We have designed and delivered a SaaS platform which collates and ingests data from many sources, and uses this data to ensure that health and wellbeing is looked after in buildings, and at the same time energy efficiency is optimised. The platform can be deployed during or after fit-out, and connects to data via the cloud from many different IoT sensors and other data sources, covering Indoor Air Quality, Outdoor Air Quality, occupancy and surface hygiene.
Envelo’s platform is device agnostic, so it can work with existing sensors if already present. Envelo monitors a wide range of factors that impact health and wellbeing, and uses algorithms and machine learning to provide automations that can connect to many different end systems (e.g. Building Management Systems, HVAC, WIFI controlled thermostats and in-room devices such as air purifiers and de-humidifiers) to ensure that health and wellbeing is looked after indoors, whilst saving energy wherever possible.
The automations are continuous, real-time/dynamic and are also predictive. Where automations are not possible, manual alerts (e.g. when to open/close windows and where) can be scheduled by the user to help them also ensure the building is healthy and productive whilst reducing energy costs where possible.
Manual workflow is also used to target cleaning teams on where cleaning is most needed based on surface hygiene trends and occupancy. The user interface includes dashboards for building management which provides rich data and insights so issues can be quickly identified and investigated, and a kiosk display which is used to show building occupants that the building they are in is looking after their health and wellbeing. The user interface also reports energy savings and the related carbon savings.
How the digital innovation was developed, including effective collaboration, knowledge transfer and partnership along the project team
Envelo has been developed by individuals from different backgrounds and skillsets working as a team to design, develop and deploy something genuinely new, protected by UK and International patent. We collaborate closely with our partners, including different IoT/sensor manufacturers, our reseller INVZBL in the USA, and Net Zero who enable carbon reporting.
We have worked closely with Related Argent on the Kings Cross Estate in London to deploy and improve our technology through innovation pilots over the past couple of years.
Details on the measurable commercial results
In every case, Envelo has been able to significantly improve health and wellbeing indoors, with typical energy savings being in the range 20-40% depending on the building type and use. Examples include: Dyno-Pest: Major reductions in health and wellbeing impacts from CO2, PM2.5 and VOCs, combined with 39% energy savings.
Stable Street: Envelo eliminated all severe impacts to health & wellbeing arising from air quality & surface hygiene. Moderate impacts were reduced by 20-50%. Energy-savings of 25% have been identified and are being targeted through Envelo’s BMS automation.
Laing O’Rourke: Envelo automation reduced winter energy consumption by an estimated 45%. Severe health impacts from PM2.5 fell by 46%. Envelo improved other health impacts due to CO2, VOCs & surface hygiene by 12-77%.
How does this innovation improve processes
By using live data to make more informed real-time interventions, and automations where possible to reduce manual work, users are able to deliver health and wellbeing benefits for occupants, boost productivity from healthier air, reduce sickness transmission and the impact and costs of sick leave, reduce energy costs and improve sustainability.
How might this innovation influence the specification
Ultimately we would hope that all building design and fit-outs will require a similar system to Envelo to be installed in the future. We are currently working with the London School of Architecture, where Envelo has been installed in their new student hub in East London, to promote the use and specification of similar systems as Envelo amongst the architecture community. We have joined FIS and are working with FIS in a similar way to help spread adoption through the fit-out industry.
Creation of novel internal systems to produce eco-innovation
Our platform is able to use the data we have to estimate energy savings for heating/cooling outdoor air ventilated into buildings on a continuous real-time basis. We measure this in terms of kWh, costs and carbon through our partnership with Net Zero.