Connected Buildings Feature Editorial

As companies throughout the world are taking a hard look at their internal infrastructure and energy consumption, many are making the move toward more sustainable strategies that can improve overall performance and reduce costs, while ensuring the organization is a more socially-friendly entity in respect to environmental protection. The same is true for the federal government and their newfound focus on modernization efforts.

In a recent podcast, TMC's (News - Alert) Erin Harrison spoke with Panduit executives Todd Suddreth, government solutions manager, and Darryl Benson, global solutions manager of connected buildings. During this event, both shared key insights into the government's initiatives to develop a sustainable modernization strategy and how Panduit can lead the way.

Suddreth noted that the federal government set aside significant stimulus funds to improve buildings and drive the modernization efforts throughout their entire infrastructure. Panduit's connected buildings philosophy extends the IP-based network to converged building networks that can be better utilized to allow for the better use of all resources.

Benson added that with the Executive Order put forth in October of 2009, the federal government is under a clear mission to develop sustainability strategies. With Panduit's foundational network infrastructure, government organizations can being systems together on a common IP platform to improve overall performance and energy consumption.

There are key factors that are driving high performance systems for government implementation, including a focus to improve efficiencies to lower costs; increased visibility to improve the safety and security and a facility; and for the government to become a better, greener corporate citizen of the world.

'Well, obviously one is the need to lower cost,' said Suddreth. 'They are implementing these systems so they can have better visibility and control of their lighting and heating and air conditioning and tying it back to the networks so they can all be managed from a central point.'

Benson added that the systems in modern buildings provide for better energy management overall. Energy use can be monitored from a single location. At the same time, the ability to answer security questions from one platform allow government leaders to drive performance.

According to Suddreth, there is substantial potential for achieving efficiency and creating an environmental impact for government entities. And, with a Panduit connected building, energy intensity can be greatly reduced and overall performance enhanced.

For additional information on Panduit and their solutions for creating a more efficient and green environment, check out their Smart Data Centers community.

Susan J. Campbell is a contributing editor for TMCnet and has also written for eastbiz.com. To read more of Susan's articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Erin Harrison