Smart Homes article in Master Builder mag

["Stephen Jones" <ukha@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Interesting article in the March issue of Master Builder -

http://tinyurl.com/bvlkt

"The apparent reluctance of clients to adopt intelligent building
technology
might be a lack of appreciation of the benefits, rather than resistance to
the technology. A major barrier to wider uptake is the UK construction's
procurement culture - the tendency for construction projects to be
predicated on first cost and dispersal of risk, a culture that discourages
innovative solutions."

And....

"The EU Energy Performance in Buildings Directive - due to come into
force
in January 2006 - may encourage the uptake of intelligent building
technology because without smart, responsive buildings it may prove
difficult or impossible to meet increasingly stringent building performance
targets. The Directive will include a building certification system
enabling
purchasers, tenants or occupiers to clearly compare the energy performance
of one building against another. Convergence between the Directive and
Building Regulations could be the driver commercial clients need to rethink
the way they procure new buildings, and could force both intelligent and
green building systems into mainstream construction procurement. It is
quite
possible that an independently accredited 'smart building' certificate
could
eventually enter the mainstream as a means of identifying buildings that
are
equipped with the infrastructure to bring energy and efficiency benefits to
their owners and occupiers."