How BEMS can help UK meet Net Zero regulations INDUSTRY COMMENT
An increased focus on sustainability and energy efficiency has exacerbated the need for the built environment to reduce carbon emissions. A new national framework, the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (UKNZCBS), is set to further tighten standards and define what constitutes a net zero carbon building. This increases the importance of specifying the right building energy management systems (BEMS) says Stacey Lucas, President of the Building Controls Industry Association
D
eveloped by some of the built environment’s leading organisations, the UKNZCBS aims to positively impact the sector by providing strict but transparent guidelines on
how industry professionals can prove compliance and demonstrate how their assets align with the UK’s carbon and energy targets.
By defining and highlighting metrics and limits for embodied carbon, on-site renewable electricity and operational energy use, the UKNZCBS standards will heighten the need for building owners and facility managers to specify and implement BEMS in their smart building design. Through the provision of real-time energy consumption data, BEMS enables building owners and facility managers to analyse potential inefficiencies, identify patterns and adjust heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) or lighting systems to optimise performance accordingly. In fact, the utilisation of building automation systems can often see reductions in energy consumption of between 10% and 30%.
Offering superior control and management can help maximise energy efficiency and prove compliance with sustainability standards, while also providing occupants with a healthier and comfortable living or working environment. In fact, the automatic activation or shutting off of heating, air conditioning or heating systems dependent upon occupancy levels can prevent systems running unnecessarily and significantly reduce energy wastage. Providing useful insights into energy
With sustainability and net zero targets becoming increasingly stringent, energy performance benchmarks, such as Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) and Energy Performance Certificates (EPC), are continually evolving. The full control over a building’s energy
performance offered by BEMS means facility managers and building owners can stay compliant with these standards to enhance corporate responsibility and reduce the risk of non-compliance penalties. While we must all focus on the
consumption through extensive data analytics, BEMS provide those in charge of building management with the ability to make data- driven and informed decisions to lower carbon emissions and reduce energy waste. Additionally, the comprehensive data
provided by BEMS also enables building owners and facility managers to identify the most appropriate hybrid working strategies and efficient space utilisation.
The full integration of BEMS into a building’s infrastructure will allow the system to provide building owners and facility managers with detailed information on clear and easy-to-read dashboards, as well as sending alerts should it identify inefficiencies. To help those overseeing the building’s management meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets and show a strong focus on decarbonisation, BEMS’ integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, will reduce the reliance on non-renewable sources and further lower the building’s carbon footprint.
decarbonisation of the UK’s building stock and the benefits BEMS provide building owners looking to reduce their carbon footprints, it would be remiss not to highlight the wellbeing and productivity boosts BEMS also offer. In fact, through the optimisation of temperature, lighting, air quality and other environmental conditions, BEMS enhances comfort, improves productivity and ensures operational and occupancy needs are met while fostering a healthier environment. This is highlighted in the ability to adjust a meeting room’s conditions before use – preventing energy wastage while creating a pleasant atmosphere.
While the implementation of BEMS will go a long way towards helping building owners and facility managers meet the new net zero regulations, the industry still needs to do more to increase awareness of the benefits of building controls and encourage greater uptake in these vital systems. The BCIA therefore works with members and the wider industry to shape policy and drive knowledge and understanding of the importance of building controls.
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