Building

Installation of energy control system for buildings (BEMS)

Objectives

Monitor and control the building's energy needs with the environment in mind

Green Value indicator

In the EU, buildings energy consumption represents almost 30% of the total EU energy consumption, but also 25 to 40% in OECD countries. Moreover, the developing countries have a less efficient building stock. In this context, managing the energy and other needs in buildings efficiently and intelligently can have considerable benefits.
Technology related energy savings differ considerably and require more research and development to determine the financial implications and costs. It is estimated that energy savings reach up to 27% compared to no BEMS installed, while the IPCC notes estimates between 5% and 40%. Additionally, expected energy savings can go up to 20% in space heating energy consumption and 10% for lighting and ventilation, combining to a 5 % to 20 % overall energy savings range.
Green Value indicators: CO2 savings; Eco footprint; energy intensity; water abstraction rates and water stress; EGSS: Economic performance of the Environmental Goods and Services Sector.

Explanation

A building energy management system (BEMS) is a sophisticated tool used to monitor and control the building's energy needs, regardless of whether it is residential or commercial. Examples of these functions are heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), domestic hot water, electrical supply/distribution, energy consumption, vertical transportation, lighting or security measures. BEMS has three main objectives:

BEMS is a management system which aims to monitor and control the use of energy within a building in order to improve energy efficiency. The process starts with a review of current energy management practices and costs. From this a benchmark level can be established and used as a basis for the establishment of an Energy Policy and the setting of corporate aims and objectives related to energy. The aims and goals may cover financially orientated measures including energy costs as well as wider ones affecting the environment including lower environmental impact and carbon footprints.
The definition of the BEMS technology and its required functions should be made in the earliest stages of design to optimise the operation potential and consequently the energy savings of the technology. In addition, it is more practical to incorporate a BEMS into the design of the building compared to retrofit a BEMS into an existing building.
As complementary activities are: energy monitoring and energy metering practices, energy awareness training and how corrective and preventative actions are implemented according to recorded results evaluation.

PROS/CONS of the action

Pros:

reduction of the energy consumption and operational costs
reduction of carbon emissions
enhanced building efficiency and recognition system of maintenance problems early
more efficient use of maintenance staff
improved fire, security and other emergency procedures
improved standards of plant/building functioning and improved management of the building
regarding the physical systems, BEMS requires minimal components; at least one principal operator position (or central station); a connection of the principal operator position to remote outstations (controllers)

Cons:

higher initial costs for design and installation
operation and maintenance costs might be higher compared to simpler management systems. However, the BEMS is also capable of reducing overall costs through improved energy efficiency and more efficient use of staff
need for a skilled operator and requires commitment at all levels throughout its operational life to maintain maximum effectiveness
data acquisition
necessity of extensive research and security concerns

Certified

International Organisation for Standardisation:

ISO 50001 - energy management systems;
ISO/IEC 13273-1:2015 - transverse concepts and their definitions in the subject fields of energy efficiency;
ISO/TC 301 - Energy management and energy savings;
ISO 52000 - a holistic approach to improving the energy performance of buildings;
ISO/TC 205 - Building environment design;
ISO9001 – quality;
ISO18001 - health & safety.

Link to useful sources

A Definitive Guide to Building Energy Management Systems

Climate Technology Centre & Network: Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS)

IEA, 1997. Technical Synthesis Report: A Summary of Annexes 16 & 17 Building Energy Management Systems. Energy Conservation in Buildings and Community Systems.

OECD, 2003. Environmentally sustainable buildings: Challenges and Policies.

Pros and cons of building management systems