Latin America. November 2024 was KNX AssociationSustainability Month. Sustainability is a core value for the association and its members, and is at the heart of ETS, the start-up tool for all KNX products.
Michael Critchfield, is Product Manager for ETS at KNX Association. In his role, he is responsible for overseeing the development and enhancements of Engineering Tool Software, ETS, which is the tool used for the configuration of KNX installations.
Critchfield, who also focuses on how ETS can contribute to sustainability and energy efficiency in KNX projects, examines how sustainability is at the heart of the programme and how it can use what already exists and build on a lasting foundation. This is why ETS is compatible with existing installations and all KNX products, not only with the latest innovations, but especially with those KNX devices from the early days.
For example, if you have an installation that deserves an upgrade after years of reliable use and abundant benefits; this can be easily achieved, either with the ETS version you already own, or by taking a look at the latest additions, and an upgrade to ETS6.
Keeping up with STD6 offers even more benefits. You can collaborate with KNX Partners who are already using the latest version and benefit from their expertise, as well as take the work of your installation into your own hands.
KNX is known for its ease, whether it's the ideal customization of your installation to your preferences, or its long-lasting performance.
Speaking of performance, just as a KNX Group Management can be used to turn off a lamp or lower the room temperature setpoint, it can also be used to control the building's energy consumption, monitor the charging of an electric vehicle or decide to store excess solar energy in a water heater or electric battery. KNX does it all and with these applications in energy management, KNX and ETS are well equipped to support the transition to full sustainability – not only today, but since its foundation.
Sustainability is at the heart of ETS
"In the last month, we took a look at new solutions for creating and expanding a KNX installation. All of these options have sustainability at their core, whether it's bringing KNX to more buildings and letting owners and residents benefit, or preserving existing facilities and allowing them to grow. With the latest KNX technology, viability is greater than ever and sustainability is within reach," explains Critchfield.
In the particular case of KNX Latin America, during 2024, several events were held, both face-to-face and virtual; in which the focus was always on smart and sustainable buildings; in countries such as Argentina, Colombia and Mexico.
In September, 3 virtual events were held for the aforementioned countries, called KNX Days - Virtual Forums Latin America, in which an average of 6 KNX and sustainability experts from their respective countries met to discuss the future of smart and sustainable projects from automation in the region.
Several manufacturing brands joined in support of these events, as well as integrators from each country and professors from universities such as the Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico and the Technical Institute of Mar del Plata in Argentina.
Finally, during the month of October, 2 face-to-face events were held, one in Bogotá, Colombia, on the 11th and the other in Mexico City, Mexico, on the 29th. For its part, the face-to-face KNX Days event in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was held on November 1; all of them with great public attendance and the participation of experts who delved into the importance of sustainability in Latin America as a topic that should be put at the top of mind when it comes to technological progress.
