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Raspberry Pi uses open source tools to reach net zero goals

Brief written by the FOSSWire AI editor from Raspberry Pi How we write

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Key Takeaway

Raspberry Pi Ltd is using Raspberry Pi hardware and Home Assistant to manage building energy consumption and replace proprietary BMS systems.

Summary

Raspberry Pi Ltd has shared an update on its transition toward net zero at its Cambridge headquarters. The company is replacing a failed 17-year-old proprietary Building Management System (BMS) with an open source BACnet solution based on Raspberry Pi hardware. Additionally, they are using Raspberry Pi 4 and 5 devices alongside Home Assistant to monitor electrical loads and optimize energy efficiency.

Open source building management

  • Replaced a proprietary Trend 963 BMS with BASview and BASpi (an open source BACnet system).
  • Reduced BMS replacement costs from approximately £150,000 to £7,800.
  • Utilizes Raspberry Pi 4 and 5 with Home Assistant and Emporia clamping technology for circuit-level energy monitoring.
  • Implemented heat recovery by redirecting warm air from server room condensers into the building atrium.
  • Planned expansion of solar capacity to a total of 304kW.

Why it matters

The project demonstrates a practical use case for using low-cost open source hardware and software to replace expensive, proprietary industrial building automation systems.

Original reference: www.raspberrypi.com →