CANDI Helps San Diego County Non-Profit Implement Smart Building
A widely held perception is that smart buildings are cost-effective only for large commercial properties of over 100,000 square feet. But through a recent project the Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee (MAAC) a San Diego County non-profit that supplies life-changing services to individuals and families found a quick and easy way to save energy and money at its San Marcos Head Start Center. The non-profit worked with CANDI, an Internet of Things (IoT) technology company that connects devices and data to the services that create smart buildings, to retrofit the 20,000 square-foot day care center into an affordable “green” building. The facilities team at the San Marcos Head Start Center now has the information needed to optimize energy performance, remotely diagnose and control the building’s HVAC systems, and reduce the frequency of maintenance visits.
CANDI worked with partners to donate devices and implementation support to help MAAC affordably retrofit its San Marcos child development center. The facility, located in San Diego County, is open 12 hours a day, operates a kitchen with walk-in freezer, and includes offices, classroom, and day care areas. Air conditioning is critical most of the year to maintain a comfortable environment for the staff and many small children. CANDI donated an Intel BMP gateway and two powerful eGauge meters, and RCS Technology donated three ZigBee-connected thermostats. Those donations saved the non-profit about $1,450. MAAC funded project management, the remaining equipment, installation labor, and fees for a total investment of about $4,500.