Eindhoven – November 2, 2015 –Information technology has changed the way we work significantly, traditional offices are no longer a must. Back in 2008, Deloitte set out the aim to create the optimal working environment for both employees and visitors by establishing the most sustainable office building in the world: The Edge. Together with a plethora of collaborating partners, Deloitte succeeded and now encourages environmental and social economic change in big cities worldwide.
How wireless charging contributes to the world’s most sustainable office building
Blog |
2nd November 2015
Deloitte sets the example
On May 28th 2015, The Edge, located in Amsterdam, The Netherlands was opened. The building received the highest BREEAM rating ever awarded and can be named ‘most sustainable office building in the world.’
Sustainable energy
The Edge uses 70 percent less electricity than a traditional office building.
Applied techniques with regard to power reduction include:
- Solar Panels
The southern wall is covered with solar panels, mounted to thick concrete walls that absorb and regulate the heat.
- Light over Ethernet
The energy efficient LED-panels make use of the same power cords used for the internet.
- Central Dashboards
The LED panels are populated by countless sensors that measure motion, light, humidity, infrared and temperature. Central dashboards collect the data and measure the use of these resources. Every employee needs a specially developed app (html 5) to make use of the facilities in the building.
- Take a look at this video if you wish to learn more about the applied techniques:
How Qi wireless charging contributes to sustainability
- Masses of power cords will no longer be necessary.
Today, one person has multiple devices with wired adapters. Cutting the cord will reduce the amount of waste substantially.
- Rechargeable batteries will replace disposables.
- Electric Vehicle charging can ultimately replace gas pumping.
Optimal ease of use
All 1000 desks are equipped with ZENS Qi Wireless Chargers to keep smartphones fully charged. Ahrend, one of the largest furniture manufacturers in the world, integrated the ZENS Qi technology into its desks. Raising the standard once more when it comes to Cradle to Cradle (durable) furniture.
With Deloitte’s motto; ‘het nieuwe werken’ (smarter working), not everyone has a fixed workplace in The Edge. All employees have the same smartphone that can be charged wirelessly at any given desk at any given time.
Wireless charging is efficient and durable
Minimal power loss and radiation
Nowadays, wireless charging is just as, or even more efficient than wired charging. Inductive charging automatically stops when the device is fully charged, a technique that isn’t available in 99 percent of the available adapters.
The Electronic Magnetic Compatibility values (EMC) for Qi wireless charging are minimal. The inductive field only exists in the intermediate charging area, plus the components are isolated to keep radiation local. Both electronic toothbrushes and inductive cooking stations have been using induction technology for years, without problems.
