FEATURE


Automation & energy


TOOLS TO HELP YOU MONITOR & MEASURE TOOLS TO HELP YOU MONITOR & MEASURE


Here Dave Lister, healthcare solutions specialist at IAconnects, a specialist in IoT monitoring solutions, explains how monitoring energy consumption in real-time can improve sustainability and reduce costs


E


ver heard the phrase “You can’t manage what you can’t measure”? It’s often attributed to quality and process control guru


W. Edwards Deming and management consultant Peter Drucker. Neither really said it, but this expression raises an important point.


Consider facilities managers (FMs).  if they can’t monitor energy use? Rising energy costs, ambitious net-zero targets and increasingly stringent regulations  priority for businesses.


Reporting energy use The Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) requires large organisations in the UK to report their energy use. They must also provide information about their carbon emissions. This reporting happens every year. Similarly, under The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS), companies must regularly audit energy consumption and carbon emissions. Energy monitoring is important for understanding this complex situation. It helps businesses manage their energy    their carbon footprint. This supports their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. We always say, consider the four C’s: Compliance, Consumption, Cost and Conservation. As well as meeting regulatory requirements, energy monitoring helps deliver in all these areas  Energy monitoring empowers   electricity they produce across operations.


20 June 2025 | Automation


By analysing consumption patterns, FMs can  This includes old HVAC systems, outdated lighting and energy-wasting habits, such as   required interventions. Energy monitoring also facilitates proactive maintenance, identifying potential issues before they escalate into costly repairs. For example, abnormal consumption patterns can signal malfunctions in electrical equipment, allowing teams to address problems early and maintain optimal performance. Meanwhile,  levels of granularity, from meter to asset level.  precise control over energy use and ensure  individual departments. Introducing energy monitoring systems can be complex, with several hurdles. A prominent issue is the compatibility of new systems with legacy infrastructure, which may require costly upgrades or workarounds. The installation can also be challenging and intricate, with FMs trying to navigate budget


constraints and keep operational disruptions to a minimum.


Scalable, future-proof solutions Data overload can be a problem for businesses.  from irrelevant data. This issue is made worse by gaps in their internal expertise. To overcome these barriers, organisations should invest in scalable, future-proof solutions that adapt to evolving needs. Partnering with an experienced provider ensures systems are seamlessly integrated and delivers meaningful insights to maximise results. Modern energy monitoring solutions, such as IoT sensors, sub-metering systems, and real- time dashboards, provide detailed insights that  maintenance, automate optimisation strategies like HVAC adjustments, and help manage peak loads to prevent energy spikes. Choosing interoperable systems with open communication standards enhances data integration, giving FMs a comprehensive view of energy consumption. Using these tools with current building management systems (BMS) improves the data available. This helps FMs make informed decisions that support net-zero and ESG goals.  principle, “You can’t manage what you can’t measure.” By enabling real-time insights and actionable energy data, businesses can reduce energy bills, improve sustainability and meet compliance requirements. To schedule a personalised demo of a solution, visit the IAconnects website and select a date.


IAconnects www.iaconnects.co.uk


automationmagazine.co.uk


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