Highlights
- Innovative use of technology to provide non-destructive solutions to identifying energy loss from buildings
- Software enables users to learn the full potential of the properties by trying out various refurbishment scenarios
- The surveys identifying fault finding mean that remedial action can be targeted to the area where it is necessary. This reduces reliance on resources by minimising use of materials, time and rework while improving the energy performance of the building
- Company software can accurately quantify potential savings in terms of kWh, CO2 and £s
- The company are franchising the product to provide an additional income stream. They currently have 11 franchises with a potential for a further 10
- Patent is pending in the UK
IRT with their Head Office in Dundee, provide infrared thermal images of properties which can quantify the energy loss from residential and commercial properties and enable cost effective remediation measures to be identified.
The Environmental Product or Service Award reflects how new technologies can promote sustainable consumption, reduce environmental impacts and create new business opportunities.
IRT Surveys is to be commended for the development of their product and the various uses that can be provided on line to recognise and improve energy efficiency in buildings. The judges were impressed with the potential for expansion of the business through franchising the service and were also impressed with the strong environmental focus and business drive provided by the team.
IRT Surveys is a company committed to developing solutions to identify energy loss from buildings and highlight potential improvement scenarios. The visual presentation of the IRT Surveys product clearly demonstrates the benefits of installing energy efficiency measures and the impacts that targeting these measures can have on the overall cost/benefit of remediation.
The Judges were impressed with the level of information on IRT Surveys Environmental Policy and how this fits with the overall objective of the company.
The company can survey via infra-red techniques around 400-500 properties at a time, this information is used to identify areas of energy loss from buildings. The company’s software can identify potential remediation options and can accurately quantify potential savings in terms of kWh, CO2 and £s. In a recent project, IRT engaged with 83 housing associations and identified 82m kWh, 18,700 tons of CO2 and £4.3m in savings from defective and missing insulation. The majority of the savings were from properties that were previously believed to have been insulated and in a good state of repair.
IRT communicate the sustainability agenda to a wide audience. Appearances on TV shows such as “Bang Goes the Theory” and “Too Good To Waste”, local, national and international press (printed and TV), and trade publications help spread the message that energy saving is possible and can be quantified through intelligent technology.
The judges were impressed with the replication potential and the future plans of the business. The system and survey techniques are currently offered through a network of 11 franchisees with the potential to increase this by a further 10. This replication would give full coverage of the UK.
Future plans are ambitious and proposals to link with the games industry is an exciting and novel approach which could include 3D modelling of the UK. New markets have also been identified specifically USA, Northern Europe and Latvia.
The judges felt that the company is an excellent example of a technology being provided to promote and enhance sustainability both locally and internationally.
Stewart Little, CEO of IRT Surveys, commented; “IRT is delighted to receive this recognition for our efforts in the energy sector. VIBES provides a great platform to showcase upcoming technology and companies and this is a real pat on the back for us and is much appreciated.”