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Combatting Damp and Mold Problems in the UK By Using Multiple Smart Device

Combatting Damp and Mold Problems in the UK By Using Multiple Smart Device

A long-standing issue for UK housing market

The rapid adoption of IoT devices in UK housing is setting the beginning of a new era in dealing with the dampness and mold in buildings. Technology-enabled solutions such as environmental sensors that measure temperature, humidity, and CO2 are becoming increasingly common for dealing with these issues. Considering that the English Housing Survey (EHS) for 2021-22 identified 935,000 households in England alone grappling with severe damp problems, the advantages for residents are clear: improved living conditions and a safer indoor environment.

Rather than dealing with occupants' health problems and costly renovations down the line, landlords and real estate companies managing thousands of buildings are shifting toward a proactive approach to detecting and addressing potential problems before they become severe. Data from LoRaWAN hardware devices like the ones mentioned above are helping them to allocate resources strategically and save renovation and maintenance costs.


Assessing the severity of the damp and mold problems


Mold and dampness can cause serious health issues among the vulnerable segments of society — children and the elderly, who are still affected by it. Research indicates that mold exposure can worsen respiratory issues, trigger asthma, and potentially contribute to the development of dementia. In retrofitting older buildings, prioritizing indoor air quality becomes crucial for the occupants' well-being and therefore for property managers. Additionally, it's crucial not to overlook the psychological impact of residing in such environments. Studies have revealed a significant connection between living in damp, mould-infested conditions and mental health problems.


Government Recommendations to Improve Residential Safety


The UK has stringent regulations regarding indoor air quality and health and safety in residential properties. Due to some tragic events leading to the death of a 2 years old child that got a lot of publicity, the Housing Ombudsman in the UK highlighted good practices including the implementation of:
• Humidity and temperature sensors
• Specialist damp & mold teams
• Root cause analysis modelling
• Dedicated damp & mold dashboard
• Staff training
• Dedicated apps for reporting issues
These sensors would serve as an early warning system, flagging when a property is at risk of mold growth. Moreover, the Ombudsman emphasizes the importance of utilizing data collected by these sensors to facilitate predictive modelling. This approach could potentially enable housing providers to proactively identify properties at risk, preventing the onset of severe damp and mold issues.


Managing Tenant Satisfaction and Cost Efficiency in Real Estate


As a result of worries related to mold and dampness, the overall contentment of private home renters can decline to 64%, as indicated by EHS. Consequently, real estate companies are compelled to confront the challenges associated with these issues in their properties. Providing a comfortable and healthy living environment with IoT devices helps them retain tenants, reducing turnover and associated expenses. Taking action to mitigate mold and dampness in their early stages is considerably more cost-effective than conducting extensive remediation later. Humidity and temperature sensors not only help property managers save on repair and renovation expenses but also can aid in optimizing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems implementing energy-efficient HVAC settings, reducing energy consumption and operational costs.


The Crucial Role of Smart Sensors

In the battle against dampness and mold, sensors are becoming crucial. According to retrofit guidelines like PAS 2035, EESSH 2, and ORP in Wales, incorporating sensors is emphasized as a best practice to ensure that homes function as intended following any form of intervention, be it maintenance or retrofit measures. Sensors like the MClimate HT Sensor LoRaWAN and MClimate CO2 Display LoRaWAN strategically installed in common problem areas such as kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms can monitor key indicators that contribute to mold formation and effectively prevent it. The MClimate Enterprise buildings management platform can be used to create a digital twin of any building connecting all the MClimate LoRaWAN devices and make dashboards and rules for easy tracking of the data of the property. The regular analytics and reports generated in the platform help predicting the underlying root cause of mold and damp appearance, whether it’s lack of adequate ventilation or other contributing factors. The ability to control these devices remotely via the Enterprise platform also enables the configuration of notifications for instances where specific indicators surpass normal levels. Even minor leaks from old pipes could potentially lead to mold issues within the properties. To address this possibility the real estate managers can install the Flood Sensor LoRaWAN and T-Valve LoRaWAN to detect even the smallest leaks and promptly halt them, averting expensive damages.
In the battle against dampness and mold, sensors and building management platforms are now indispensable tools for the property managers.


The Next Era of Housing: Scalable IoT Solutions


The acceleration of the smart technology revolution is reshaping the potential of real estate in the UK. Property managers can now harness a range of IoT devices to effectively address mold and dampness issues, ensuring tenant satisfaction and retention, while also achieving cost savings and preventing property damages.


 

Sources: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/english-housing-survey-2021-to-2022-housing-quality-and-condition/english-housing-survey-2021-to-2022-housing-quality-and-condition

ALLNET and MClimate established a distribution partnership

ALLNET and MClimate established a distribution partnership
MClimate, an innovator in the production of connected, smart, sustainable IoT solutions and ALLNET GmbH, a distributor of advanced networking and communications technology announced a strategic partnership to provide better services and support to customers in the DACH region together.

Advancing in the latest LoRaWAN IoT technologies MClimate is a company that designs and develops universally compatible smart building automation solutions covering both hardware and software. With a focus on delivering better comfort and energy efficiency while improving stakeholders’ carbon footprint the company is specialized in heating optimization, air quality, and monitoring as well as water control. Pioneering LoRaWAN since the emergence of the technology with an advanced R&D team, and strong manufacturing capabilities, MClimate consistently upholds high production standards and facilitates seamless implementation of smart solutions.

ALLNET GmbH stands for professional, award-winning IT solutions with an outstanding price-performance ratio. The company offers a comprehensive range of network, powerline, video surveillance, and home automation products for both, business and consumer requirements and is expanding its IoT range. With its wide range of products, efficient inventory management, skilled team, and extensive expertise, ALLNET GmbH possesses a strong distribution capacity.

The collaboration between MClimate and ALLNET GmbH enables customers in the DACH region to benefit from unique for the market devices, along with exceptional service and support.

“We are delighted to announce that we are adding ALLNET GmbH as a distributor for MClimate's smart IoT devices. With their extensive distribution network and capabilities, we can effectively meet the increasing customer demand while in the same time provide excellent services. This strategic partnership promises great benefits for our shared customers, facilitating their IoT needs and ensuring scalable and innovative IoT end solutions.” said Violeta Mitsova, CCO of MClimate. The distribution agreement covers all LoRaWan components and controllers right from the start. According to the responsible ALLNET product manager Marc Plesse, "This gives our reseller partners access to the complete MClimate product range right from the start. The quick and uncomplicated integration of the cost-effective sensors then also ensures a rapid amortisation of costs and immediately contributes to a noticeable reduction in energy costs and CO2 pollution."

About ALLNET GmbH
Founded in 1991 in Germering near Munich, manufacturer and distributor ALLNET GmbH offers its trade partners more than just distribution. In addition to products from leading manufacturers in the ICT sector, ALLNET also distributes a wide range of products under its own brand in the areas of telecommunications, networking, and security. With the 802.lab, the manufacturer and distributor provides its own training and workshop center to actively support trade partners. ALLNET, one of the leading distributors in the ICT sector, has multiple branch offices in Europe and overseas in addition to its headquarters in Germering.

About MClimate
MClimate is a leading IoT company that specializes in creating smart building solutions, encompassing both hardware and software with the primary goal to provide end users with enhanced comfort, security, and energy savings, all while optimizing their CO2 footprint. With a forward-thinking approach towards the dynamic smart solutions market, MClimate has emerged as a prominent manufacturer of LoRaWAN IoT devices in Europe providing services to more than 70 countries and regions. Led by a young and dynamic team of founders with a passion for technology, innovation, design, and sustainability, MClimate's team is offering one of the most comprehensive and competitive smart buildings automation technologies.

PRESS CONTACT - MClimate
Campus X: Aleksandar Malinov Boulevard 31,Sofia, Bulgaria
Mirena Dimova
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
mirena@mclimat.eu
+359 800 3 1010

PRESS CONTACT – ALLNET
GmbH Computersysteme Maistrasse 2, 82110 Germering
Fax: 089 894 222 33
sales@allnet.de
+49 89 892 222 22

MClimate Releases Maintenance Free CO2 Display Powered By Organic Indoor Solar Cells from Epishine and LoRaWAN®

MClimate Releases Maintenance Free CO2 Display Powered By Organic Indoor Solar Cells from Epishine and LoRaWAN®
MClimate in joint efforts with Epishine, a leading indoor solar cell producer, is now offering the self-powered CO2 Display that can monitor Carbon dioxide (CO2). Using a low-power NDIR sensing module provided by one of the leading manufacturers worldwide, the device can be used for any indoor space like classrooms, offices, hospitals, shops, public buildings, and many more.

In recent years, particularly since the COVID-19 crisis, there has been a growing attention from environmental regulatory bodies on improving indoor air quality and implementing higher standards. This focus has become crucial for many companies and the general public, considering that individuals spend approximately 90% of their time indoors. Additionally scientific research has established a clear connection between elevated levels of certain pollutants and adverse health effects, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and individuals with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Key indicators for measuring air quality and assessing potential health risks include carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, along with temperature and humidity levels.

As a result, there is an increasing demand for smart devices capable of monitoring, evaluating, and managing indoor air conditions. However, the current market offers multiple solutions that rely on disposable batteries with limited usage time, requiring frequent maintenance. Recent studies predict a substantial rise in global battery demand from 185 GWh in 2020 to over 2,000 GWh by 2030. This presents an additional concern regarding greenhouse emissions and environmental damage caused by the growing demand for batteries.

The MClimate CO2 Display LoRaWAN effectively addresses all of these challenges by leveraging the LoRaWAN technology of smart devices and integrating a solar panel-powered display. This innovative solution enables precise measurement of CO2 levels, offering users essential information to ensure a healthy and comfortable indoor environment, but also prioritizes energy efficiency, aligns with green policies, and requires no maintenance.

The device is providing a complete solution using a low-power NDIR sensing module with a detection range of 400-5000ppm with ABC calibration enabled by default, reliable temperature and humidity measurement, motion detection sensor, and multiple other smart innovative technologies to achieve excellent results.

"At MClimate, we are dedicated to smart building solutions that are sustainable, effective and easy to use, making the CO2 Display LoRaWAN a testament to our commitment," said Violeta Mitsova, Co-Founder and CCO at MClimate. "With the successful resolution of buildings connectivity issues by LoRaWAN® technology, combined with the integration of Epishine's solar cells, we developed a smart IoT device that requires no battery replacement, can survive without light for 14 days and does not need any other kind of maintenance. This empowers end users to monitor air quality and act on the displayed metrics in a timely manner and property owners offer more environmentally friendly assets."

"Collaborating with a forward-thinking company like MClimate perfectly resonates with our overarching vision. They have recognized the significance of sustainable and pioneering advancements to facilitate optimization, ultimately resulting in enhanced building environments and increased sustainability." “Daniel Westling, VP Sales and Marketing at Epishine

By addressing the growing need for comprehensive indoor air quality management, the MClimate CO2 Display LoRaWAN promoted well-being, energy efficiency, and sustainability in old and new buildings. The device serves as an essential tool for facility managers, building owners, and individuals seeking to optimize their indoor environments.

The device is available for pre-order now on the MClimate website.

About MClimate

MClimate is an IoT company that designs and develops universally compatible smart home and building automation devices with a focus on sustainability and delivering enhanced comfort, security, and energy savings. The Company’s growing LoRaWAN® portfolio is aimed at helping address some of today’s global challenges such as climate change and air quality by impacting consumption patterns linked to energy use, energy waste, and air and CO2 monitoring.

About Epishine

Epishine is a leading developer and manufacturer of printed organic solar cells, committed to reducing global environmental impact by enabling innovative and smart technologies in meeting the demand for sustainable energy solutions. Epishine's business is based on pioneering manufacturing breakthroughs. Their first product is a unique indoor solar cell optimized for harvesting indoor light and easily integrated into small low-power electronics.

For more information visit epishine.com

PRESS CONTACT - MClimate

Mirena Dimova
Chief Marketing Manager (CMO)
mirena@mclimate.eu
+359 800 3 1010

PRESS CONTACT - EPISHINE

Kristina Hagstedt
Communication Manager
kristina.hagstedt@epishine.com
+46 (0)73 466 63 43