Building Energy Management Systems

BEMS is a comprehensive solution that helps organizations monitor and manage energy
consumption in buildings. It can lead to significant energy savings and cost reduction, while also
improving the comfort and productivity of building occupants.

As the demand for energy continues to grow, so does the need for efficient use of energy
resources. Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) have emerged as a solution to help
organizations manage their energy consumption, reduce energy costs, and improve sustainability.
This article will discuss the importance of BEMS and how you can improve energy efficiency in buildings.

What is a Building Energy Management System?

A Building Energy Management System (BEMS) is a set of software and hardware tools that help
organizations monitor, control, and optimize energy consumption in buildings.

BEMS can monitor and control various building systems such as heating, ventilation, air
conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and other energy-consuming equipment. BEMS use data from sensors,
meters, and other sources to analyze and optimize building energy usage.

Importance of Building Energy Management System

More and more building owners and managers are turning to BEMS data and other energy
management tools/software/platform as energy efficiency increasingly becomes a C-Suite agenda in 2023
and beyond.
BEMS provides facility managers and building owners with real-time information on energy
consumption, enabling them to make data-driven decisions to improve energy efficiency. The importance
of BEMS cannot be overstated.

Here are some key reasons why BEMS are crucial for any organization:

1. Energy Cost Savings: One of the most significant advantages of BEMS is energy cost savings. By
monitoring and controlling energy usage, BEMS can help reduce energy consumption, which
translates to lower energy costs for the organization. Studies show that BEMS can result in energy
savings of up to 30% in commercial buildings.

2. Improved Energy Efficiency: BEMS can help identify energy inefficiencies in building systems,
such as HVAC, lighting, and other equipment, and provide insights on how to optimize them. For
example, BEMS can detect underutilized areas of a building and adjust heating and cooling
systems accordingly, leading to improved energy efficiency.

3. Environmental Benefits: BEMS plays a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint of buildings,
which is essential for achieving sustainability goals. By reducing energy consumption and
 emissions, BEMS help organizations meet regulatory requirements and environmental
certifications, such as LEED, BREEAM, and Energy Star.

4. Better Comfort and Productivity: BEMS can also help improve occupant comfort and productivity
by maintaining optimal indoor temperature and lighting levels. This leads to a better working
environment and increased employee satisfaction and productivity.

5. Remote Monitoring and Control: With the advent of IoT and cloud-based technologies, BEMS
can now be monitored and controlled remotely, enabling facility managers to manage and
optimize building systems from anywhere. This allows for more flexibility and responsiveness in
managing energy usage.

Components of building energy management systems

BEMS consist of various components that work together to collect and analyze data, control systems,
and communicate with the building's various equipment and systems. Here are some of the essential
components of a BEMS:

1. Sensors: These devices monitor environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and air
quality, and provide real-time data to the BEMS.
2. Controllers: These devices are responsible for regulating and controlling the building's various
systems, such as HVAC, lighting, and power.
3. Data Management Systems: These systems collect, store, and analyze data from the various
sensors and controllers in the BEMS.
4. Visualization and Reporting: BEMS also provide real-time visualization and reporting of energy
consumption, system performance, and other relevant data. This data helps building managers
identify areas of inefficiency and take corrective action.
5. Integration: BEMS need to integrate with other building systems such as fire alarms, security
systems, and elevators to ensure seamless operations.

Key benefits of Building Energy Management System

BEMS not only help reduce energy consumption and costs but also improve operational efficiency

and sustainability. Let's take a closer look at some of the benefits we haven't already discussed in this

article:
  Improved occupant comfort: BEMS can monitor and control heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) systems to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and air quality.
 Enhanced equipment lifespan: By optimizing equipment usage and reducing wear and tear,
BEMS can help extend the lifespan of assets.
 Compliance with regulations: BEMS can help buildings comply with energy efficiency and
environmental regulations, such as LEED certification or the Energy Performance of Buildings
Directive (EPBD) in the European Union.
 Increased property value: Buildings with BEMS installed may have a higher market value, as
energy-efficient features are becoming increasingly desirable to buyers and tenants.
 Improved financial performance: By reducing energy costs and optimizing building performance,
BEMS improves operational cost savings and financial performance for building owners and
managers.
 Reduced carbon footprint: BEMS can help buildings reduce their carbon emissions and
contribute to a more sustainable future.
 Increased visibility and control: With real-time data and analytics, BEMS can provide building
owners and managers with greater visibility into their energy usage and control over their
building systems.

Here's an example of how you can use BEMS to optimize HVAC systems in your building:
1. Adjusting temperature setpoints: BEMS can collect data on indoor and outdoor temperatures, as
well as occupancy levels, to adjust temperature setpoints. For example, if a building is
unoccupied during certain hours, the BEMS can automatically adjust the temperature setpoint to
reduce energy consumption.
2. Scheduling equipment: BEMS can be used to schedule HVAC equipment to operate during
specific hours when needed. The BEMS can turn off HVAC equipment during non-peak hours or
when the building is unoccupied.
3. Identifying equipment malfunctions: BEMS can monitor the performance of HVAC equipment
and detect any malfunctions or inefficiencies. By identifying and addressing these issues early on,
the building owner can prevent larger, more expensive problems down the line.
4. Monitoring energy consumption: BEMS can collect data on energy consumption from HVAC
systems and provide insights into the energy usage patterns of a building. This data can be used
to identify opportunities for further energy savings, such as identifying inefficient equipment or
scheduling maintenance.
Common challenges of implementing BEMS

Here are some of the main challenges that organizations may face when implementing a BEMS:

1. Complexity: BEMS can be complex and require specialized design, installation, and operation
knowledge. Organizations may need to invest in training and expertise to utilize the benefits of
BEMS fully.
2. Data Management: BEMS generate a large amount of data that needs to be managed and
analyzed. Organizations may need to invest in data management tools and expertise to maximize
BEMS.
3. Integration: BEMS need to be integrated with existing building systems and infrastructure. This
can be challenging, especially if the building systems are older or not designed to work with
BEMS.

Navigating complex integration at every system/store/building level to derive data insights is arduous
and impossible to scale. Further, the lack of visibility into insights traps potential energy savings in data
silos at every level.

"The key to effective building energy management is data analytics. By leveraging advanced analytics, building
managers can gain real-time insights into energy usage patterns and identify areas for improvement."