The housing sector between investment pressure and operational reliability
In many multi-residential buildings – especially the existing ones – building services largely operate out of sight. A high need for refurbishment coincides with limited investment budgets: conventional building management systems often exceed the available budget. Faults therefore often only become apparent when they are reported by tenants. These can only be remedied reactively, with a time delay and at greater expense. Pumps frequently run on factory settings, without being adapted to the actual demand. Building management systems are rarely in place; systematic monitoring and early warning systems are lacking.
At the same time, regulatory requirements for transparency and efficiency are increasing. At European and national level, the following regulations provide the framework:
- EPBD (EU Buildings Directive): regulates the overall energy efficiency of buildings.
- EED (EU Energy Efficiency Directive): promotes measures to increase energy efficiency, including in the building sector.
As a result, energy management is becoming a focus even where no building management system has previously been in place.
These requirements do not only affect existing buildings.
In new-build projects, transparent, demand-based operation is expected right from the start. Whether for new or existing buildings, anyone looking to operate residential properties in a targeted manner and make use of technical operating data needs reliable data and solutions that can be flexibly integrated into different building concepts.
Identify problems before they arise – smart solutions as an early warning system
Reliable operation is fundamental for satisfied tenants. This is precisely where our solutions come in: they create transparency regarding the technical condition of central pumping systems and help identify defined deviations at an early stage so that operators can respond sooner.
Our digital solutions open up new possibilities for monitoring and control. Smart and smartifiable pumps can be integrated into existing building management systems or networked via standardised interfaces.
The Wilo-Monitor provides the necessary transparency – either as an addition to an existing building management system or as a standalone solution. It makes energy flows visible, enables remote monitoring and can transmit defined fault notifications remotely
This creates a smart early warning system for the technical operation of multi-residential buildings and residential complexes.
Keep track of your building’s operating conditions
Start with a no-obligation consultation and find out how our solutions can support the monitoring and management of your residential properties’ technical systems.
Potential to reduce operating costs in existing buildings through demand-based system settings
The Wilo Energy Audit* provides additional operating data and analyses to support informed optimisation decisions. It identifies where pumps are oversized, incorrectly configured or outdated in terms of technology and energy performance, and highlights potential adjustments.
Building on these insights, our pumps and pump systems support demand-based operation in key areas of apartment buildings and residential complexes – from heating and hot-water supply to pressure boosting and drainage. Depending on the application, the systems can be configured for the identified duty point and adapted to changing requirements. This can help avoid operation above actual demand and reduce energy consumption compared with a system that is not configured according to demand.
*The Wilo-Energy Audit does not comply with the EN 16247-1 standard and therefore does not fulfil the requirement to carry out a legally mandated energy audit in accordance with the relevant national implementation provisions of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive.
Our highlight applications for multi-residential buildings
Multi-occupancy residential dwellings place a wide range of technical demands on building services. Our solutions are designed to support demand-based operation – from supply and distribution through to drainage. The result is technology that functions reliably in everyday use and can be flexibly adapted to the actual requirements of the building and its occupants.
Water distribution and boosting
Comfort that suits every home
A reliable water supply is essential for comfort and everyday convenience in every home – from a morning shower to using several taps at the same time. A correctly sized pressure-boosting system provides the required water pressure throughout the building and can respond to changing demands.
- Stable water pressure throughout the building
- Automatic adaptation to changing water demand
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
Reliable heat for a comfortable living environment
Heating and circulation pumps have a direct impact on room comfort and wellbeing in each apartment within an apartment block. When correctly sized and configured, they support demand-based heat supply to the residential units.
- Appropriate heat distribution throughout the building
- Adaptation of pump performance to changing requirements
- Designed for reliable operation throughout the heating season
Wastewater collection and transport
Drainage solutions for residential buildings
In residential properties, drainage and wastewater transport perform key functions: rainwater and surface water from outdoor areas and underground garages below the backflow level must be safely drained away. Equally important for a high level of living comfort is the reliable removal of wastewater from kitchens, showers and toilets.
- Reliable drainage of rainwater and surface water
- Lifting units with backflow protection to safeguard building areas below the backflow level
- Wastewater transport within specified system parameters
- Installation of lifting units with macerators to reduce the risk of clogging caused by suitable solids
Firefighting
Safety that pays off in an emergency
Fire-fighting systems are an important part of comprehensive safety measures in a residential complex. They are invisible in everyday life, but play a crucial role in an emergency Fire-fighting systems are part of the applicable fire-protection concept.
- Supporting system availability through redundant pump configurations
- Redundant pump configurations can support system availability
- Systems for separating firefighting water and drinking water
Rainwater utilisation
Using resources wisely in the home environment
Rainwater falls where people live – directly onto the roofs of buildings. Collected rainwater can be used for different purposes around the house.
- Rainwater utilisation for toilet flushing
- Use for irrigation of outdoor areas and green spaces
- Rainwater use can reduce potable-water demand for the specified applications
Drinking water hygiene
Targeted support for drinking water hygiene
A reliable drinking water supply is an important requirement in apartment buildings. A correctly designed and operated circulation system can help maintain the required hygienic operating conditions within the drinking water system.
- Supporting the required temperature maintenance within the circulation system
- Regular water exchange to reduce periods of stagnation
- Designed for different usage profiles
Strong references. For living spaces with a future.
Discover selected reference projects and find out which solutions we have implemented together with our partners for the operation of residential buildings.
Residential building LIVING LEVELS, Berlin, Germany
In the LIVING LEVELS residential project directly next to the East Side Gallery, a contemporary supply concept was implemented that combines modern technology with a high level of living comfort and supports reliable supply in day-to-day operation. Across 14 floors and around 6,200 m² of living space, a sophisticated system supplies around 60 residential units – from single-person flats to penthouses – evenly with drinking water, heat and fire-fighting water.
A redundant supply concept was implemented using circulation pump technology, demand-based pressure boosting and high-performance fire-fighting systems. At the same time, the pump systems offer low noise levels and precise control – an example of how technical solutions can support residential comfort.
Moderna housing estate, Warsaw, Poland
At the Moderna residential development, the focus was on using rainwater and meltwater. The aim was to use the collected water for irrigating outdoor areas and flushing toilets in the residential units.
To achieve this, a rainwater utilisation system tailored to the requirements of the residential development was installed with redundant pump technology. It supplies the collected rainwater and meltwater for the intended applications. The project demonstrates how rainwater and meltwater can be used to supply non-potable water applications in a modern residential development.
Multi-residential building in Wasserburg am Inn, Germany
In a multi-residential complex with 35 residential units, there were repeated faults in the wastewater system. Cleaning cloths and hygiene products improperly disposed of via the toilets led to clogged pumps, increased maintenance requirements and restrictions in day-to-day living – a familiar risk in many residential properties.
The use of a solids separation system with integrated cutting technology stabilised wastewater transport during the observed operating period. Fibrous and problematic solids are reliably shredded before they can cause clogging.
The project demonstrates how the risk of blockages caused by unsuitable items entering wastewater systems in residential buildings can be reduced and how the technology used can support stable operation.
Tailored services for the housing sector
Our service expertise supports the reliable operation of multi-residential buildings, residential complexes and residential neighbourhoods. With a regional presence, in-depth system knowledge and coordinated service offerings, we support operation and maintenance through coordinated services, planning of service activities and a technical infrastructure aligned with specified operating requirements.
Wilo-Energy Audit
Identify energy-saving potential, analyse operating data and derive suitable measures for energy-conscious system operation.
Digital solutions
Control pumps intelligently, connect systems and make operating data visible – for greater transparency and targeted optimisation of system operation.
Technology that improves everyday life
Everyday life means having hot water in the morning, a heating system that works reliably in winter, trouble-free wastewater disposal and a dry basement after heavy rain – and we usually only notice these things when they are missing or they fail. For tenants, neighbours and visitors, reliable building services are not something to talk about, but a given that they can rely on. Reliable building services are an important part of residential comfort. We use technology to support everyday routines and contribute to a comfortable living environment.
That is exactly what we work on. We deploy technology in such a way that it simplifies everyday life, creates safety and supports quality of life – quietly, reliably and durably.
FAQ | Frequently asked questions about solutions for multi-residential buildings
How can multi-residential buildings be optimised in terms of consumption even without a building management system?
Even without traditional building management systems, pumps and centralised systems can be a demand-based operation. The crucial requirement is to ensure transparency about actual operations and to design systems that adapt to real usage profiles.
In this way, data can be used to identify optimisation opportunities in existing buildings in a targeted way, using simple sensor technology and without extensive structural work. The Wilo-Monitor provides a continuous overview of the technology in use and current energy flows.
What are the advantages of demand-based pump systems in existing residential buildings?
Pump systems are designed to adapt the required performance to the respective operating demand. This can help avoid operation above actual requirements and – depending on the initial situation, usage and system settings – offer potential for reducing energy consumption and operating costs. At the same time, this type of system design supports supply in line with the intended usage requirements.
Can existing infrastructure be easily retrofitted?
Why is it worthwhile to review existing pump systems?
In many multi-family buildings, pumps have been running with unchanged settings for years. A review often reveals that systems are technically outdated, oversized or not optimally controlled. Adjustments or targeted modernisation can uncover savings potential and make operation more stable in the long term.
How quickly can improvements be implemented?
How do Wilo solutions support trouble-free residential operation?
Are measures in multi-residential buildings eligible for funding?
Depending on the project and current programme conditions, funding opportunities may be available Which measures are specifically eligible for funding depends on the project, the status of the building and the applicable national framework conditions. Early assessment can support planning decisions and can provide information relevant to investment planning.