Wates Headquarters UK

Summary

The Wates Group, a leading privately-owned construction and property services company in the UK, operates from its headquarters, Wates House, in Leatherhead, Surrey. Following significant refurbishments in 2021, the building now serves as a modern, collaborative workspace, reflecting the company’s innovative and forward thinking ethos.

The Challenge: Replacing an Obsolete System

To enhance energy management capabilities, Hills Energy Management Solutions was engaged to replace the building’s outdated Trend 963 Application. The facility, comprising two almost identical sections; Building A and Building B, features extensive HVAC systems. 

In total the site includes 4 Boilers, 2 Chiller, 2 Main Air Handling Units (AHU), 2 Toilet AHUs, Reception Trench Heating, and 100 fan coil units (FCUs). The challenge was to implement a modern, scalable solution while maintaining the existing infrastructure and minimizing disruptions to business operations.

The Solution: A Scalable, Open-Protocol System

We installed a 1,250-point JACE 9000 controller paired with the NiagaraMods Reflow Graphic User Interface (GUI) Application. A key advantage of this solution was its ability to integrate seamlessly with the existing Trend controllers through BACnet open communication protocols. 

This enabled efficient data exchange, allowing the system to exchange control and monitoring data between sensors, digital inputs, outputs, and time programming. By leveraging open protocols, the existing infrastructure was retained, avoiding the need for costly replacements and maximizing the value of previous investments.

Technical Specifications

The JACE 9000 is a high-performance, embedded IoT controller designed to connect diverse building systems. Its technical highlights include:

• Quad-Core CPU and 2 GB RAM for robust performance.
• 8 GB microSD card for automated backups, ensuring data retention and security with automated daily and incremental backups.
• Wide protocol support, including BACnet, KNX-IP, Modbus, and more, enabling future scalability and flexibility.
• Seamless integration with existing infrastructure via BACnet open communication protocols.
• The NiagaraMods Reflow GUI provides an intuitive interface for real-time monitoring and control. It facilitates data visualization, historical logging, and easy export for analytics, empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions.

Outcomes: Enhanced Efficiency and Flexibility

The upgraded system has enhanced energy management at Wates House. With improved data visualization and analytics, stakeholders can make data-driven decisions, identify energy-saving opportunities, and optimize building performance.

The JACE 9000 serves as a scalable access point for future integrations, allowing the system to evolve alongside the building’s growing needs. Additionally, the installation of an IXON Router ensures secure remote access for support and diagnostics, streamlining operational management and maintenance.