Starting this autumn, all public spaces such as classrooms and group rooms will be equipped with sensors. The aim is to gain a better understanding of how the premises are used. The installation of sensors does not cover offices or staff rooms.
The purpose of installing the sensors is to measure how the premises are used, in order to make more efficient use of the premises, reduce energy consumption and improve the indoor climate. The project is conducted in collaboration with Akademiska hus and Tietoevry, and will include the installation of 250-400 sensors in total at Karlstad University.
– We’ll be installing two different types of sensors. One that counts how many people walk in and out of classrooms and lecture halls, or public spaces like entrances, and another that measures the indoor climate, says Eric Nilsson, campus coordinator at Campus Services.
– It’s important to point out that these sensors will not infringe on personal privacy. The sensors cannot see who is present in a room, only how many there are and how the climate is affected. And we will not install this type of equipment in office areas.
The climate sensors measure room temperature, humidity, light levels and/or movement using passive IR technology. This information makes it possible to adjust ventilation and heating according to the actual use of the premises.
This will contribute to reduced energy consumption, as well as optimise the way the premises are used. Tests carried out by Akademiska Hus show that data from the sensors can be used to make simple scheduling adjustments, so that the use of the premises is more evenly distributed, rather than rooms sometimes standing empty and at other times being fully booked. According to Akademiska hus, utilisation rates can be increased by 20 to 30 per cent.
– The installation of the sensors is scheduled for October and November, and they will be up and running by the end of the year. If everything goes as planned, we’ll be able to use data from the sensors in our premises planning in early spring 2026, says Eric Nilsson.
Updates about the project will be posted during the academic year.
