Chair vacant

Scope
Definition and identity of group

The Smart Buildings group (SBg) provides a useful forum in which industry peers can discuss upcoming legislation, input into government policy, and help educate and provide best practice to the business energy demand side sector.

The Smart Buildings group (SBg) encompasses demand side industry sectors with an interest in:

• Wireless ecosystems
• The Internet of Things
• Smart building materials
• Lighting – installation, control & retrofit
• Energy Saving Controls – heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)
• Building energy management systems (BEMS)
• All other building controls associated with energy saving measures.

Ethos
Short overview of the group’s meaning and values

The group supports the effective, professional and transparent approach to supplying products and/or managing Energy Saving projects.

Effective: Assisting the end user to achieve and maintain significant energy and cost savings in an economically efficient manner.

Professional: Provide a level of customer care that enhances the reputation of the industry.

Transparent: Providing clear and concise information about expected energy savings through the use of technology

Vision
The Vision should:– be ambitious but achievable.– take into account where the group is now.-­ include strategic priorities.– describe what group members will take from the group.– include short, medium, long term goals.

• To become a reference point for information on best practice for Smart Building technology.
• To provide educational resources in various formats, including presentations and panel sessions.
• To provide articles to the trade press, with a strong educational content.
• To provide up to date information on regulations.
• To provide up to date information on available funding opportunities for initiatives.
• To provide opportunities for end users to share experiences and input regarding their continually developing and changing requirements.
• To influence legislation for the benefit of the end user and their demand side supply chain, and to assist in achieving the government’s energy saving targets.
• To encourage and make group members aware of commercial opportunities and those surrounding public sector tenders and contracts.

Strategy
The strategy should:– provide a practical way to implement the vision– set out broad objectives.– encourage collaboration.-­ undertake wider stakeholder engagement.– have progress (KPIs) monitored by group Chairs / Council.

• Revise the Smart Buildings group information booklets to harmonise the group message and reflect the same on the ESTA website.
• Submit two articles per year to EiBI and Energyst highlighting Group ambitions, progress and useful information for end users.
• Support and engage in presentations/panel discussion at ESTA events.
• Set up a round table for discussion with end users to gather feedback and market intelligence on what end users require.
• Give one technical presentation per year which covers the main product and service areas covered by SBg members.
• Give one technical presentation per year on the latest technology or ‘hot topics’ in the sector.
• Be engaged in the consultation for the next revisions of the Building Regulations (Part L).
• Continue to lobby to have ESTA (along with other trade associations) named on the Energy Technology List as a source of credible companies offering energy saving technology.
• Lobby the Crown Commercial Service to ensure contracts for energy saving initiatives are open to companies of all sizes.

Terms of Reference
To include– guidelines / expectations of group Members– guidelines / expectations of group Chair / Vice Chair

Members are expected to:

– Support and promote the aims of the SB Group

– Contribute to the Group’s activities

– Input and share information as part of ESTA’s knowledge transfer

– Publicise the benefits of the Group internally and externally

– Use the SBg and ESTA to further the efficient use of energy

– Recommend similar companies to join ESTA

The Group Chair is expected to:

– Drive the Group forward towards its objectives

– Maintain the Group’s objectives, terms of reference and administration

– Encourage active participation of Group members

– Represent Group at Council and encourage collaboration

– Engage with Council where support, development or funding is required

– Review the Group on an annual or two yearly basis

Useful Documents:

Smart Buildings group (SBg) – technology, products and systems for saving energy booklet 

Link through to Regulations and Incentives pertaining to Lighting Controls