An extension of energy management systems, building energy management systems (BEMS) use computer-aided tools to monitor, control, and optimize electrical loads. Also known as building automation systems, BEMS is typically installed in large facilities that require massive electrical, mechanical and HVAC (heat ventilation and air-conditioning) systems. BEMS consists of software as well as hardware through which the appliances, equipment and devices in a building are integrated and interoperated.
Next-generation BEMS provides a healthy and pleasant indoor climate along with effectively managing the energy consumption of a building. For these reasons, the global market for next-generation BEMS is experiencing steady growth across the globe – especially in developed countries. According to analysts at Technavio, the global next-generation BEMS market, in terms of revenue, will record a CAGR of 11.05% during 2015-2020.
5 Benefits of using Building Energy Management Systems
#1. Reduces cost
The primary energy consumers are healthcare facilities, manufacturing plants and commercial buildings. Also, with the increased use of cloud technology and the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT), the number of data centres across the globe has grown considerably. The above mentioned facilities require large amounts of electricity leading to a lot of money being spent on energy bills.
BEMS monitors and intelligently manages and controls energy services in plants and buildings by maintaining a balance between conditions, energy use, and operating requirements. For example: by understanding how a data centre works, next-generation BEMS can make it possible to determine the best practices that will help minimize costs and the potential for downtime without compromising on the IT assets of an organization. In the case of healthcare facilities, BEMS brings down energy consumption and reduces cost by approximately 25%.
Along with direct reduction in energy bills, BEMS can also help reduce taxes on carbon emissions, thereby further reducing costs.
#2. Helps buildings obtain certifications
Governments in various countries are introducing programs, initiatives, and energy certificates in order to reduce consumption of energy. A prime example is the US government’s introduction of energy certificates for products that aid in the reduced consumption of power. There is also a growing trend of switching to energy management systems (EnMS) in order to comply with ISO 50001 or other standards that are used to measure the efficiency of a data centre by The Green Grid. Next-generation BEMS works in compliance with various standards of energy efficiency and several certifications given by respective governments.
#3. Conserves energy
Energy conservation is no longer a matter of choice – it is a conscious decision which needs to be made not only for the purpose of reducing energy costs, but also for the benefit of the environment. By measuring, monitoring, and optimizing the energy requirements of a building, BEMS can control electricity requirements by approximately 80%.
#4. Provides demand response solutions for renewable energy installations
By 2020, most European countries are planning to generate power from renewable energy. However, these renewable sources, such as solar and wind energy, can be sporadic in nature, making them unreliable at times. In such cases, grid operators resort to cost-effective solutions like demand response (DR) to manage and reduce the demand of electricity during peak hours.
Next-generation BEMS has computer-aided tools for setting up DR programs. Thus by using BEMS, facilities can easily switch to renewable energy installations, making it simpler for software companies to interface with BEMS in smart buildings. This is perhaps why the market potential for BEMS and DR in smart buildings is estimated to be approximately $30 billion.
#5. Provides comfort and is low maintenance
As next-generation BEMS monitors and controls conditions like temperature, quality of air and lighting, the comfort level of employees is improved, thereby increasing productivity. BEMS also provides a complete understanding of energy consumption by enabling preventive and predictive maintenance. This in turn reduces the unnecessary use of equipment and extends the life of maintenance systems.
View the 2016-2020 Global Next-Generation Building Energy Management Systems Report
