INDUSTRY COMMENT Building controls and Net Zero
T
Stacey Lucas, president of the BCIA, discusses the important role building controls play in helping contractors achieve more consistent Net Zero targets
he recent ‘Whole Life Carbon Roadmap Progress Report’ by the UK Green Building Council was a staggering, and quite concerning, read. As well as suggesting the UK construction industry is nowhere near
the target required to meet the country’s Net Zero objectives, it highlighted a ‘critical and substantial gap’ in government policies that ‘could make or break the built environment’s efforts to meet the required decarbonisation pace and scale’. This worrying report is supported by research carried out by Judy Too and Obuks Ejohwomu at the University of Manchester. Their research revealed that buildings are still not being designed within sectoral carbon budgets, meaning progress towards Net Zero could be significantly hindered.
But what can we do?
Whether you’re a consultant, specifier, contractor, building designer or architect, the importance of working collaboratively to help build better buildings and optimise their energy performance cannot be understated. Of course, the utilisation of innovative and effective building controls systems, including building energy management systems (BEMS) and building automation systems, can go a long way to reducing the UK construction industry’s carbon footprint, too. In addition to enabling energy efficiency and demand flexibility in buildings, smart buildings also benefit from advanced sensing and controls, data analytics, energy optimisation and systems integration. This actively reduces energy demand and use, while improving occupant health, productivity and comfort. Furthermore, incorporating these digital
capabilities in smart equipment and appliances will enable improved reliability and remote management alongside the energy and emissions reductions.
Exceptional energy management
As I mentioned earlier, the correct implementation and utilisation of BEMS can play a vital role in helping contractors achieve better sustainability targets. For instance, BEMS provides the ability to optimise energy usage in real-time, based on the occupancy and activity levels of the building. This real-time energy monitoring allows a symbiotic relationship with suppliers and enables buildings to adjust energy consumption based on grid conditions, optimising energy usage during peak and off-peak hours. By reducing such a strain on the grid, carbon emissions associated with the generation of electricity are mitigated. Additionally, this comprehensive and accurate information allows architects, consultants, contractors and decision-makers to implement sustainable design, identify areas for improvement and ensure long-term energy efficiency throughout a building’s life-cycle.
Efficient lighting and HVAC
A simple example would be if a room is unoccupied, the BEMS will be able to automatically reduce the lighting settings to save energy. When the occupancy levels in the building change, the BEMS will adjust the lighting settings accordingly to meet the needs of the occupants while minimising energy consumption. Heating, cooling and ventilation can be optimised in the same manner. Building automation systems will constantly assess temperature data, occupancy patterns, air
quality and weather forecasts to efficiently optimise HVAC settings.
Superb smart grid integration
It’s also pivotal that renewable energy sources are utilised to reduce a building’s carbon footprint. Indeed, many BEMS are equipped with controls enabling them to integrate with renewable energy sources, such as wind turbines, heat pumps and solar panels. This allows the BEMS to significantly reduce a building’s reliance on fossil fuels, a major contributor to carbon emissions.
Green building certifications
Offering significant potential for reducing carbon footprints in the built environment, building controls and automation systems can help contractors, architects and property owners achieve green building certifications, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and the WELL Building Standard. Securing such certifications could not only enhance a building’s market value but also highlight an organisation’s commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. The BCIA works hard to ensure building controls
are effectively mandated in government policy and has worked with its members on the industry’s policy position in response to the Future Building Standard Consultation, which closed recently. Advocacy and influencing policy are important aspects of what we do so that we can support growth of the industry. Furthermore, while the Future Building Standard focuses largely on new build in the commercial sector, BCIA will also be championing the updating of policy to mandate effective building controls in existing buildings.
Brilliant. British.
A2L Compliant Products Now Available
CO2 Evaporators Condensers HFC Evaporators Water Coils CWC, LPHW, Fan Coils Chillers, Flatbed, V-block, U & C shape coils Marine grade, heavy duty equipment Bespoke, bulk and specialist Office POD Cooling Systems
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk Beehive Coils hp BSEE
Apr24.indd 1
t: 01638 664134 w:
beehivecoils.co.uk e:
sales@beehivecoils.co.uk BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER APRIL 2024 9 19/3/24 16:10
MADE IN THE UK
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 |
Page 41 |
Page 42
