The Q-Reader is a device that collects information about water, electricity, and gas consumption in homes. The device provides users with visualisations about their resource usage, encouraging efficiency improvements in the home.
NorthQ has developed the software and hardware capable of collecting consumption data from a large range of appliances, so that any home or building can monitor their energy, gas, heating and water consumption. The information collected is then made available in easy-to-understand graphics for users, who can then comprehend their own resource demands and alter their resource consumption.
As well as being able to integrate with old devices, the Q-Reader is also compatible with state-of-the-art Internet of Things devices and other energy management apps. It offers the opportunity to control individual devices at the push of a button. For instance, smart devices can be remotely turned off and heating can be scheduled to reduce energy usage. In addition, energy-hungry devices can be easily identified, allowing users to take a targeted approach to reducing resource consumption. The Q-Reader is also designed to record energy production data from photovoltaic solar panels and wind power generators. The data is collected and analysed every fifteen minutes and made available in real-time.
Why you should care
Heating and cooling in buildings and industry accounts for half of the EU’s energy consumption. Moreover, 84% of heating and cooling is still generated from fossil fuels, while only 16% is generated from renewable energy. Energy efficiency measures and consumption reductions are therefore important and fast ways to reduce the emissions from buildings.
How the Global Goals are addressed
Affordable and clean energy
NorthQ’s technology can help us to meet the target of doubling the rate of improvement of energy efficiency by 2030.
Climate action
Energy efficiency measures like those developed by NorthQ can help to cut absolute emissions from homes and offices, helping to meet emissions reductions targets.
NorthQ
NorthQ are a Copenhagen-based energy management product and service provider, aiming to help their customers use their resources more responsibly, towards their business, communities and the environment.
Global Goals addressed
