The IET Innovation Awards

Built Environment Award winner 2011

GE Digital Energy Sustainable Energy Generation and Management for Off-grid Remote Communities based on Smart-Grid Technologies

The judging panel commented:

This innovation allowed a remote community of Bella Coola British Columbia to significantly benefit from a more reliable and efficient off grid power supply. The result is a considerable reduction in the use of diesel generators which consume fossil fuels and contribute to the carbon footprint of the community. In this particular innovation the application of sophisticated mathematical analysis to solve a real world problem and to provide measured results impressed the judges.

Also shortlisted: 

Scope of category

This category is open to all entries that demonstrate engineering, scientific and technological innovation in the built environment.

Entries are encouraged that relate to any aspect of the built environment including design proposals, system improvements or developments, installation methods, innovative use of new materials, product innovation, operation and maintenance of systems and equipment or components and all aspects relating to the built environment.

The submission must clearly demonstrate value to the end user and outline improvements in safety reliability, efficiency or robustness within the commercial world.

Innovation is about doing things differently, in a way that is exciting and impactful. It's about new ideas that have or can have a real, positive impact on the built environment . Engineering is one of the longest established professions in the world; it has been constantly introducing new ideas throughout the millennia. If you are introducing a step change that contributes to profit, performance and ultimately value (not necessarily monetary), tell us about it and enter these awards.

Innovation can be at any stage of development. It can also include innovations beyond products, systems and equipment, for example: intelligent design, projects, analysis, research, modelling etc. Entries should look to demonstrate benefits such as improved user productivity, comfort, reliability, robustness, efficiency, quality or sustainability.

Entries should be for electrical, electronic, ICT innovations in the built environment, but not limited to these areas and are welcomed from all organisations and individuals: Universities, Clients, Consulting Engineers, Contractors, Suppliers, Component Manufacturers etc. The list below gives an indication of the broad area covered by this category.

1.    Intelligent and green buildings

• Intelligent environmental management systems
• Sustainable energy generation and management
• Systems integration
• Embedded sensor technology
• Combined heat and power (CHP)
• Energy efficiency
• Innovative use of natural resources

2.    Specialised systems

• ICT systems in buildings
• Security and fire systems
• Hazardous areas
• Vertical transportation
• Care and well-being support systems
• Communications, entertainment and computing systems
• Horizontal transportation (such as "travelators" and electro-magnetics including shielding and testing)

3.    Building electrical distribution

• Power distribution
• Standby generation and UPS
• Lighting, emergency lighting, and lighting protection
• Earthing and bonding
• Power quality (such as harmonics and electric heating e.g. under floor)
• Power systems
• Testing and commissioning
• Health and safety

4.    Building management and control

• Building management systems
• Access and security control
• Asset management
• Systems installation, commissioning & testing
• Cable management
• Value engineering and management
• Electrical safety

Preparing a winning entry

The judging panel has been selected to represent a wide interest and skill base relating to the built environment.  In order to help the judges assess your entry it is important to carefully read the judging criteria and make sure your entry addresses as many of the headings as possible.  It is also helpful to avoid the use of company-based terminology or product-specific abbreviations. Please help the judges to understand your entry. Photographs and charts are always helpful and can be used where appropriate.  Product literature can be included as a supplement if it enhances your entry

Should your entry be short listed the synopsis of your entry may be used in promotional material, which will assist in the marketing of your product.  It is important that the entries are carefully constructed and checked. 

Winning innovations in this category

2010:
Wireless Carbon Monoxide and Combustible Gas Detection and Shut off system for Residential Dwellings. (Flowtech Controls Ltd)

2009 :
Technology for healthy natural ventilation with heat reclaim for tomorrow’s air-tight construction (Dwell-Vent)

2008 :
Automated testing of fixed wiring (Test Marshal Ltd)

2007 :
Barratt EcoSmart Show Village (The University of Manchester and Barratt Development plc)

See also

• How to enter
• All categories