HEATING SYSTEMS W
ith the UK striving to meet its Net Zero commitments, improving energy efficiency and adopting low-carbon heating systems
have become top priorities for businesses. A key tool in achieving these goals is an EMS, which enables businesses to optimise their energy usage, cut costs, and reduce carbon emissions.
The role of heating in energy consumption
Heating is one of the largest energy consumers in commercial and industrial buildings. In spaces such as warehouses, retail stores, and showrooms, heating can account for up to 75% of total energy use. Managing energy effectively in these environments is more complex than simply adjusting a thermostat. Large open areas, diverse occupancy patterns, and inefficient legacy systems all contribute to unnecessary energy waste. With energy costs fluctuating and sustainability
regulations tightening, businesses need a smart, automated approach to heating management. That’s where an EMS comes in.
What is an Energy Management System (EMS)?
An EMS is a cloud-based solution designed to monitor, control, and optimise a building’s heating and energy use. Unlike traditional heating controls, which often rely on manual adjustments, an EMS integrates with existing infrastructure to provide real-time data and automation. By continuously analysing energy consumption patterns, an EMS helps facility managers: ¡ Maintain consistent, comfortable temperatures ¡ Reduce energy waste ¡ Lower Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon emissions ¡ Improve overall building efficiency
Key features of a modern EMS
The best EMS solutions offer a range of features tailored to the needs of large commercial and industrial facilities: 1. Zoning and Customisation – Buildings can be divided into specific heating zones, ensuring that only occupied areas are heated, reducing unnecessary energy use. 2. Remote Control and Automation – Cloud-based platforms allow facility managers to monitor and adjust heating settings across multiple sites, ensuring efficiency without the need for on-site adjustments. 3. Real-Time Monitoring – Live data dashboards provide insights into energy consumption patterns, helping managers identify inefficiencies and make data-driven decisions. 4. Automated Alerts and Adjustments – The system can detect anomalies such as open doors or excessive heating use, automatically making adjustments to prevent energy waste. 5. Scalability – EMS platforms can adapt to a building’s evolving needs, ensuring long-term efficiency as operational requirements change.
26 June 2025
Above: Clive Bodenham, founder of Clarke Controls
www.heatingandventilating.net
The importance of energy management systems
Clive Bodenham, founder of Clarke Controls, explains why Energy Management System (EMS) solutions are essential for commercial and industrial heating systems and how they help businesses create more efficient and sustainable workplaces
4. Operational Efficiency
An EMS automates heating management, reducing the need for manual interventions while cutting waste. Facility managers can focus on strategic operations while the system ensures optimal performance in the background.
Integrating EMS with modern heating solutions
The benefits of implementing an EMS
An EMS offers significant advantages for businesses looking to cut costs and improve sustainability: 1. Cost Savings With rising energy prices, controlling heating costs is more important than ever. Clarke Controls has helped clients achieve up to 25% savings on heating and energy costs year on year after implementation. 2. Sustainability and Compliance Reducing energy use directly lowers carbon emissions, helping businesses meet sustainability goals and comply with regulations such as the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) framework. For organisations targeting Net Zero, an EMS provides a clear pathway to lower emissions and track progress. 3. Enhanced Workplace Comfort Stable and controlled heating improves working conditions, enhancing employee productivity and satisfaction. A well-regulated environment also prevents disputes over heating adjustments in shared spaces.
As businesses transition to low-carbon heating systems such as heat pumps, biomass boilers, and hybrid heating, an EMS becomes even more valuable. By integrating with these technologies, an EMS ensures heat is delivered where and when it is needed, enhancing overall efficiency.
Real-world success: Clarke Controls & Wickes
Clarke Controls’ EMS has been deployed across more than 200 Wickes locations, significantly improving heating efficiency and reducing energy waste. Wickes reported that the system transformed how they control heating across their sites, driving substantial energy and cost savings.
The future of heating management
With businesses facing increasing pressure to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, EMS solutions are becoming essential for modern heating systems. Investing in an EMS is not just a smart financial decision – it’s a step towards long- term sustainability and energy efficiency.
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