CONTROLS
What could your BMS do for you?
Building Management Systems (BMS) are ubiquitous in commercial properties, yet too often they’re not being used as designed, says Kevin McGuane Energy Services Director for DMA Group. When a BMS doesn’t reach its potential investments in renewable solutions and overall drives to save energy can fall fl at, leaving building owners out of pocket and carbon reduction targets lacking.
Kevin McGuane I
nvesting in expensive renewables and then not setting them up and using them properly is a false economy. It’s really important that the basics are taken care of fi rst. In an ideal world, all sustainability upgrade projects should start with an energy audit that identifi es ineffi ciencies, prioritises low-cost quick wins and creates a roadmap for meaningful change. Fabric fi rst should always be the mantra to ensure the highest level of savings long term, while enhancing comfort for building users. This might all seem like obvious stuff , but you’d be surprised how often the foundations are not laid correctly.
Understanding the problem
We use a red/amber/green (RAG) rating survey process to help building owners and maintenance teams understand the state of their BMS. The survey covers the following areas:
Validation: ■Assess the current setup of the BMS ■ Confi rm which systems are active, work- ing, or bypassed
■Identify gaps in monitoring and reporting.
Rectifi cation: ■ Correct critical issues such as faulty sensors, systems left in hand mode, or scheduling errors
■ Align heating and cooling systems to occupancy times.
Ventilation optimisation Balance air quality with energy effi ciency Reduce over-ventilation without compromising health and comfort.
Smart tech integration Introduce additional controls such as CO₂ sensors, occupancy sensors, lighting controls, or automated valves Enable estate-wide dashboards for performance monitoring and SECR compliance.
This phased approach ensures estate managers can make quick wins early while building towards longer-term optimisation.
Of all the renewables, solar photovoltaics, particularly when combined with battery storage, give an almost instant return, so I do recommend this approach to the majority of commercial customers. The savings made through self-generation of electricity can then contribute to other renewable upgrades.
Once the basics have been put in place, ongoing, eff ective
control is key to realising specifi cation aims, extending asset life and enhancing operational certainty.
Working in harmony A well-integrated and properly confi gured BMS is the linchpin of energy savings, carbon reduction and end-user comfort. Unlike static systems, the BMS automates operations based on advanced scheduling and real-time conditions, preventing unnecessary power consumption and avoiding on/off cycling. Motion sensors, time of day scheduling, and zoning adjust heating, cooling and ventilation to actual occupancy and usage, preventing wastage and improving comfort. Integration with utility pricing can further reduce costs by adjusting water heating, for example, to when electricity is cheapest.
Sensors and monitoring allow for the continuous collection of data, which informs predictive maintenance, prevents breakdown and helps keep expensive technology working for longer. These sensors can also be used to identify energy wasters, highlighting equipment that is using too much power. Crucially, a BMS supports a holistic energy management
strategy by integrating building services – heat pumps with auxiliary technologies, such as circulation pumps and solar PV for coordinated and effi cient electricity usage. Data-driven decision-making based on detailed insights and long-term trends leads to continuous operational improvement.
28 December 2025 •
www.acr-news.com Download the ACR News app today
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
