Emissions monitor set for launch

A NEW product designed to help property owners monitor and reduce carbon emissions from buildings will be launched later this month by a small Scottish firm which sees big opportunities in energy analysis.

CADmeleon, a family-owned business services firm based in Alloa, has developed the software, called Carbon Estates, which audits energy usage across individual buildings and estates.

Structures can be compared on a like-for-like basis on criteria such as age, construction type, usage and floor size, with their actual performance measured against how they should operate.

Chris Reilly, business development manager at CADmeleon, said the development of Carbon Estates was a natural extension to the firm's existing services.

First established in 1999 as a provider of document scanning, CADmeleon has subsequently moved into surveying and energy analysis.

This includes providing Energy Performance Certificates for buildings owned by local authorities. As clients asked for a more flexible way to use their energy performance data, the idea for Carbon Estates evolved.

A key feature of the software is that it allows managers to project changes in energy usage from building refurbishments before any alterations are made. The cost of such work can then be compared to future savings on energy consumption and carbon emissions.

CADmeleon is aiming to cash in on the nascent carbon management market, which is being driven by government legislation to reduce CO2 emissions.

One research report has suggested that worldwide demand for carbon management services and products will rise from $384 million (262m) in 2009 to $4.3 billion in 2017.