Published on: 7 feb 2025

Energy saving as a service

How installation companies can help customers save using data.

The energy transition requires innovative solutions that not only comply with stricter laws and regulations, but also create new business opportunities. Installation companies have a key role in this. By using data from different sources, they can provide customers with valuable insights and recommendations. This enables them to offer energy conservation as a service – a model that reduces costs and promotes sustainability.

Data-driven energy management: a new standard

More and more installation companies are turning to data as part of their services. Whereas traditional installation companies used to focus primarily on hardware such as central heating boilers or heat pumps, these companies are now using data from:

Smart meters
These measure real-time energy consumption and are accessed through parties such as Tibo Energy. Underlying this, they work with grid operators such as Fudura, Kenter and Joulz to provide reliable energy data.

Building management systems (BMS)
Schneider Electric and Priva are examples of systems that provide comprehensive insights into building performance, from power and gas usage to temperature management.

IoT sensors
IoT sensors from the likes of Syrinx and KPN IoT allow you to unlock specific data points, such as temperature, humidity, CO2 levels and light intensity.

By integrating these data sources into one or more dashboards, installation companies can generate valuable insights beyond standard reports. Solutions in which such integrations are central are also referred to as a smart building. These smart buildings enable companies to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs and optimise user comfort.

The importance of data quality and validation

Unlocking data is only the first step in realising valuable insights. The quality of the data ultimately determines whether those insights are reliable and useful for decision-making. Therefore, data quality is an essential focus throughout the chain. At Blenddata, we work with customers to ensure data quality through specific controls.

Here are three main ways we validate data:

  • Checking for completeness
    Data must be complete to give a reliable picture. For example, in the case of working with quarter data, 96 data points will be expected for one day (24 hours x 4). Missing data can lead to misinterpretations. By checking that all expected data points are present, we ensure that analyses are not based on incomplete information.
  • Checking for purity
    Are the data values logical and consistent? A smart meter continuously reporting zeros may indicate a malfunction or error. Such checks are essential to spot anomalies quickly. Only clean data is included in the analysis, so customers can rely on insights that are correct and immediately usable.
  • Checking for outliers
    Sometimes data contains values that simply cannot be right. Say a building suddenly shows ten times more energy consumption than is physically possible – outliers like that need to be filtered out before they end up in reports. That way, the data remains representative and customers are not misled by erroneous conclusions.

Why is this Important?

For companies looking to achieve energy savings, it is crucial to be able to rely on the right data. Inaccurate or incomplete data can lead to wrong decisions, missed savings or even compliance issues. By integrating these validation processes, we ensure that analyses and reports are reliable so that you can take action with confidence.

Data quality is thus not only a technical requirement, but also an indispensable step to achieve sustainable results!

Scalability and flexibility

A modular and scalable underlying platform is important for companies looking to respond to market or regulatory changes now and in the future. Some of the benefits of scalable infrastructures are:

  • Growth in customers or premises: Systems must be prepared to handle larger amounts of data without sacrificing speed or accuracy.
  • Rapid adaptations: By easily replacing or expanding components such as sensors or data sources, systems remain relevant in a changing landscape.
  • Durable platforms: Scalable platforms on Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services – and especially the right setup of these – make it easy to scale up from, say, 100 to 1,000 buildings. These platforms provide the capacity and flexibility to support growth without compromising on performance towards the end user.
Revenue model: Energy management as a service

Using energy data not only offers benefits for customers, but also an attractive additional revenue model for installation companies. This is often achieved through a subscription model where customers:

  • Get access to dashboards with insights and reports.
  • Receive regular recommendations on energy-saving measures.
  • Have the opportunity to bundle advice and implementation.

An example is how Van Hout, through their proposition OVVIA, offers customers a guaranteed savings return of 20-25% through data-driven energy savings.

Our data platform includes modules for data quality and reporting. With great results! Van Hout realises energy and cost savings of at least 20% per connected building.

Jan van Hout

Director Van Hout

Our data platform includes modules for data quality and reporting. With great results! Van Hout realises energy and cost savings of at least 20% per connected building.

Jan van Hout

Director Van Hout

EaaS at Blenddata

Energy conservation as a service allows installation companies to better support customers while generating new revenue streams. By ensuring data quality, scalability and integrations with trusted partners, companies can not only comply with laws and regulations, but also create lasting value.

Wondering how your installation company can seize this opportunity? Then take a look at the Van Hout case or schedule a no-obligation appointment!

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