Tech firm joins global push to help firms with power struggle

IT and smart building technology firm Scenariio has signed up to a global consortium, which aims to enlighten firms on ways they can save money and reduce their carbon footprint.

The Derby firm, which is based in Siddals Road, has joined the PoE (Power over Ethernet) Consortium – a global industry trade group set up last year to promote PoE.

Its aim is to advance PoE education, advocacy and to share best practice so that more countries can learn about the ways in which it can save them money and reduce their carbon footprint.

Scenariio, which installs smart building technology and infrastructure, has become only the second UK firm to join the consortium.

PoE has been used for years to power telephones and laptops and is increasingly being used in smart building schemes to enable owners and operators to monitor and control heating, lighting and security via devices linked to the internet.

It saves money because there is no longer a need for a separate power source to each device, meaning there is no need to employ an electrician, no need for extra wiring, no need for safety approval and no need to modify building plans.

Scenariio believes UK firms could be wasting thousands of pounds on electrical installation costs because they are unaware of the full range of capabilities of ethernet cables.

It believes the country has fallen behind other nations in its understanding of how the cables can be used to a greater extent by carrying electricity as well as data to devices with increased power demands such as LED lights, security cameras, AV and monitors.

Managing director Rob Pritchard said: “It is accepted that a traditional telephone cable provides electricity for the telephone as well as carrying the signal, and this same cable can power a number of devices at the same time, including LED lights, sensors and security cameras, without a separate AC supply.

“Installing only one type of cable on one infrastructure network from a central comms room reduces complexity and opportunities for issues.

“This makes it much more flexible and cost-effective and saves significantly on installation and cabling, but for some reason the take-up is still relatively low in the UK.

“We want to change that, which is why we’ve joined the PoE Consortium. It’s still early days but there are some major names involved and we’re very pleased to be lining up alongside them.

“In the low-carbon, post-lockdown world, smart buildings are the future and if UK companies are to deliver the cost savings and sustainability strategies they’re being required to achieve, then innovations such as power over ethernet is vital to their chances of doing so.”