Facade of a modern building with a glass exterior reflecting a blue sky and scattered white clouds. The reflection creates a visual effect where the boundary between the building and sky is blurred, highlighting contemporary architectural design and the interaction of reflective surfaces with their environment.

Building Energy Management Systems Explained

01 March 2017

The purpose of a Building Energy Management System (or BEMS for short) may be quite self-explanatory, but what might not be so clear is exactly how much a building can rely on one for effective running. Not only that, but a BEMS can be responsible for multiple buildings, simultaneously managing all of their vital energy systems.

Those systems silently and automatically control such facilities as:

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Ventilation
  • Lighting
  • Gas and water use

The systems mentioned above are not just managed (so that they are on and working), but are also optimised for the most efficient use of energy for the space required. Environmental conditions and equipment status are just a couple of factors that are monitored and adjusted accordingly. Energy analysis utilising the Smart Grid system, better helps the building in question manage its energy demand, without endangering the safety of its occupants.

Integrated Building Energy Management System

BEMS are embedded, computerised systems that allow for monitoring and adjustment of energy-related services. They include vital power, ventilation and fire suppression systems that will literally save lives in the event of an emergency.

Security

As well as ensuring the safety of building users, a Building Energy Management System will control security measures such as motion detectors, CCTV, access control and alarms. Using this system means that you can rest assured that the element of human error in controlling entry to your building is minimised, making it more secure and safer.

Large-scale Benefits of BEMS

Whilst a smaller building can operate on independent energy control systems, a larger sized site of single or multiple site operations can significantly benefit from a BEMS, as any energy savings that are made are multiplied by the number of buildings being controlled. It also allows for a better, centrally controlled system.

That’s not to say that smaller buildings can’t benefit. Just the savings are more noticeable, the larger the project.

Maintenance

The versatile nature of a typical Building Energy Management System means that it can also be used in ongoing maintenance procedures, triggering alarms, informing of issues and the archiving of historical performance records. This allows benchmarks to be set and system performance measured against it.

If you are responsible for managing the energy systems for small, large or multiple sites, then a Building Energy Management System will make your operation more efficient and ultimately more profitable.