“Following both student feedback and utility consumption analysis it was clear that the current heating practise in the asset needed reviewing. We engaged with Utopi to come up with a solution and following some detailed field work, the Smart Panel Heaters were proposed as a solution. The results have been fantastic! The Smart Panel Heaters enable the site teams to control the temperature in all areas, and at all times. When students have needed bespoke conditions, this has been possible, but increased engagement has allowed needs to be considered and alternative options suggested.”Simon Griffiths – Senior Vice President of Operations (Europe), Yugo
Our Client.
Yugo are a PBSA brand known for quality, for environmentally conscious assets, and for their innovative approach to ESG. With 110 locations across 9 countries, Yugo’s tag line of ‘Live your best life’ is present in every aspect of their operations – from resident engagement events and yoga to top quality rooms in the most sought-after cities for the modern-day resident.
With the 2024 heating season fast approaching, Yugo had a UK-based asset with a history of overheating that needed action. They called Utopi for their multi award-winning data and ESG technology solutions.
The Challenge.
Through the 2023/24 heating season, with Utopi Multisensors installed in this 350+ room asset, we had seen big spikes in resident energy use and 38% of residents had their rooms heated to above 24°C. Whether it was from residents using the window to regulate temperatures or adding additional heating sources, we knew our Smart Panel Heater solutions would be ideal for Yugo.
With remote control via The Utopi Platform, Yugo’s site team would be able to easily set maximum and minimum temperatures at either space of asset level, and could also add exceptions for spaces with special heating needs. Better yet, we would aim to enhance energy controls and reduce energy waste within just a few months – before the real power of the heating season kicked in.
The Utopi Solution.
Utopi Smart Panel Heaters would be installed in all spaces, and the following metrics would be tracked weekly via The Utopi Platform for the agreed 8-week period, using temperature as a proxy for energy consumption:
- Mean room temperature: To track energy reduction in real time.
- Mean external temperature: To accurately map the impact of weather conditions on internal heating behaviours.
- Mean consumption in kWh: This was taken per room, per day.
- Percentage of rooms above 24°C: Not only so site teams could intervene with controls, but also to track progress in real time.
Heaters were installed, and data was being collected within a matter of hours to be monitored and measured via The Utopi Platform. When installed, we had weekly reviews of the data and helped Yugo manage exceptions; but we’ll let the results do the real talking.
The Impact.
