PRISM: Redefining Buildings with Smart Data
In schools, offices, and care facilities, daylight is more than just illumination — it’s a powerful tool that shapes energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and productivity. Yet, many buildings struggle to balance these benefits. Often, energy efficiency is sacrificed for comfort, or sustainability goals are left unmet.
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
Enter PRISM, the innovation changing how we manage and measure the impacts of daylight. Imagine classrooms where natural light fosters focus and learning, care facilities where comfort supports healing and wellbeing, and offices where productivity thrives in energy-efficient spaces. This vision is now a reality with PRISM—a tool that brings data to life to create smarter, sustainable environments.
So we can see an example of the dashboard summary data produced by PRISM
Return of investment
Payback Period
Productivity
IncreaseFrom Vision to Innovation: The PRISM Story
Years ago, Somfy recognized a gap: Dynamic Solar Shading (DSS) had the potential to transform buildings, but its impact was difficult to quantify. To bridge this gap, they partnered with DGMR and bba binnenmilieu, combining expertise in sustainability and environmental consulting. Together, they asked, "What if data could drive better design choices, making sustainable, comfortable buildings accessible to everyone?"
The result is PRISM—a data-driven solution that evaluates energy, carbon, and wellbeing metrics, turning abstract benefits into measurable insights. PRISM isn’t just a tool; it’s a mission to empower developers, architects, and industry experts to create environments that work better for people and the planet.
PRISM: Tailored for Your Space
Every building type has unique challenges and opportunities. PRISM adapts to meet these needs with three specialized tools:
- For Schools: PRISM enhances classrooms by managing overheating and glare, creating environments where students thrive while reducing energy costs.
- For Care Facilities: Comfort and wellbeing are paramount. PRISM ensures spaces are optimized for thermal and visual comfort, supporting healing and care.
- For Offices: Productivity meets sustainability. PRISM provides insights to balance energy efficiency with occupant satisfaction, fostering workplaces that perform.
Each tool delivers customised data to address the specific demands of these spaces, ensuring meaningful results.
Illuminating Smarter Decisions with PRISM
PRISM equips stakeholders with the knowledge to unlock the full potential of DSS. Here’s how:
- Energy Performance: Quantifies savings from reduced HVAC and lighting loads.
- Carbon Management: Measures contributions to emissions reductions and sustainability goals.
- Wellbeing Metrics: Links improved daylight control to productivity and satisfaction.
- ROI Calculations: In the case of offices, demonstrates the financial benefits of DSS investments.
- Regulation: for schools, demonstrates how regulatory standards can be met or exceeded.
PRISM transforms real-world data into actionable insights, bridging the gap between design and performance.
A Solution for Today’s Challenges
The demand for better buildings has never been greater:
- Net Zero Goals: Buildings contribute to 36% of Europe’s carbon emissions, making sustainability critical.
- Wellbeing Expectations: Occupants want spaces that enhance health and productivity.
- Energy Costs: Rising costs demand smarter, more efficient solutions.
- Aging Infrastructure: Existing building stock must meet modern performance standards.
Dynamic Solar Shading offers a simple yet powerful solution, but PRISM makes it measurable. By optimising daylight, DSS reduces reliance on HVAC, boosts comfort, and supports carbon reduction strategies.
Partners in Innovation
PRISM is a collaboration between Somfy, DGMR, and bba binnenmilieu—leaders in sustainable design and data-driven solutions. Together, we’re redefining what’s possible in building management, making sustainable, comfortable design accessible to all.