Maximize Energy Savings with Building Automation in the Okanagan

Building automation technologies help keep the lights on for Okanagan businesses. 

Kelowna runs on energy—from the cyclists dotting the waterfront to the vibrant arts and culture that bring the city to life and right down to its governance. Reducing the Okanagan's energy footprint is front and centre for the city, which strives to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions through multiple avenues.

At Kimco Controls, we’re experts in helping businesses perform more efficiently, with lower operational costs and higher occupant comfort thanks to building automation. The icing on the cake is being able to apply our skills within our own communities in the Thompson-Okanagan—from Cranbrook to Penticton.

What is building automation?

Building automation is a broad term for many different technologies we use to make your building run better. From lighting that automatically changes room by room based on how bright it is outside, to temperature controls that adjust based on forecasts and building occupancy, building automation works hard behind the scenes to optimize your operation.

Beyond HVAC controls, machine learning and AI are hard at work analyzing usage patterns to improve efficiency or communicate equipment failures and repairs before they become costly emergencies.

How building automation helps Okanagan businesses

When it comes to increasing productivity and bolstering a business's bottom line, the building isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind. However, a building is at the heart of a well-functioning operation and can—often literally—impact every part of your business.

Energy efficiency

Smart building technology lowers energy use in many ways, including:

• Monitoring trends to improve energy use 
• Reduced equipment inefficiencies
• Automatic adjustments for light, temperature, humidity, and other atmospheric considerations

Cost reduction

Less energy use = lower energy costs—it’s that simple. Well, actually, it can be a little more complex. The cost savings from smart building automation encompass straightforward changes like lower energy use and longer-term savings like lower maintenance costs, less downtime, or higher productivity.

Cost savings include:

• Reduced energy use
• Lower utility bills
• Increased employee productivity
• Lower maintenance costs

Future-proof

As the planet continues to evolve, so do building codes and government regulations. Newer building codes are most often focused on energy savings and green initiatives. By staying ahead of the curve with modern technologies which reduce energy waste, it’s more likely your building will remain up to code and retain a higher market value.

EV chargers

As the market for electric vehicles in B.C. continues to grow, so does the need for EV chargers. In Kelowna, the city even released an EV strategy where it envisions charging an EV as easy and affordable. How does an EV charger fit into a smart building, exactly?

EV chargers are integrated into your smart building using sensor technology for a seamless experience that also positions you as a leader in innovation.

Seasonality

In the Okanagan, where summer can reach extreme highs and winter can drop below zero, an HVAC system that can flow with the dynamic nature of your environment is essential.

The ability to detect energy losses means less hot air escaping in the winter or wasting AC come summer.

Additionally, the ease of maintenance and troubleshooting makes it less likely for your heating unit to break down in the middle of a cold snap.

Air quality

In a world where wildfire season has become the norm, building automation technology helps keep air quality high. Of course, air quality matters all year round and in all conditions, not just when it’s smoky out. Technology to keep air quality high includes:

• Demand control ventilation, which adjusts airflow based on occupancy
• Air quality monitoring sensors that alert to harmful pollutants

Keeping filters clean and properly maintained is also critical for air quality.

Boosting businesses in the Okanagan

We’re big fans of the power of building automation and HVAC technology to support local businesses, but don’t take our word for it. See how Kimco Controls was able to help these Okanagan businesses.

The new family farm: Avery Family Farms

For this innovative, vertical lettuce farm in Okanagan Falls, heat pumps were the secret to efficient cooling for the operation. Utilizing 18 outdoor and 70 indoor pumps, Kimco was able to produce 216 tons of heating/cooling efficiently, reliably, and redundantly.

Setting the standard: Valens Labs

A leader in research and testing in the cannabis industry, Valens Labs required a sky-high standard for their equipment and processes. Meeting GAMP (Good Automated Manufacturing Practice) standards was essential. Kimco was able to meet the rigorous standards set out by the industry and Health Canada by integrating:

• HVAC automation
• An extensive gas detection system
• O2 (oxygen) sensor technology
• Pressure gradient and room monitoring systems
• High-level temperature and humidity control

The next generation: HS Grenda Middle School

More than a middle school, this educational facility not only provides 600 diverse spaces for students to learn in, but also supports the community with a learning centre. Kimco integrated building control systems into the new construction using natural light, open spaces, and multipurpose spaces, including:

• System integration into a district-wide software system for quick, simple maintenance and monitoring
• Superior technology and efficient systems programming for energy management
• Integrated lighting, intrusion, and fire alarms
• Energy monitoring for maximum efficiency

Businesses helping businesses

Not only is Kimco Controls supporting Okanagan businesses through building automation, HVAC, and electrical services, but we’re investing in our community by providing long-term, stable employment in the Thompson-Okanagan.

Kimco strives to hire locally first whenever possible and nurture the talent we have right here at home. The current owners started as employees of Kimco themselves, and make a point of promoting from within.

We have the talent right here at home, and we want to keep seeing it grow. Check out career possibilities at Kimco.

In an ever-changing world, experts like Kimco Controls help keep your business on the right track. Let’s work together.

Work with a people-first company that has been on the cutting edge of building automation, HVAC, and electrical technology in the Thompson-Okanagan for 40 years. See how Kimco can help.