BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
David Barnes, managing director of adi Intelligent Buildings, a division of adi Group, explains
Be efficient: upgrade your BEMS
B
uilding Energy Management Systems (BEMS) are an integral unit of automation, with
estimates placing the market for their use at £19.25bn by 2023. Acting as an interface between the extensive mechanical and electrical equipment at play within large manufacturing facilities, these interlinked systems can represent up to 70% of a building’s energy usage, placing a huge impetus on maintenance upkeep. A BEMS monitors and controls building services
including HVAC and lighting, and process related systems such as compressed air, chilled water, and steam. Many systems are fully integrated with building fire, access control and energy monitoring platforms. With the supply and demand of energy use
having been pushed to the maximum throughout the pandemic, particularly in critical manufacturing sectors such as pharmaceutical and food and beverage, it makes sense for businesses, manufacturers and workplaces to utilise a BEMS which can maintain and dictate process efficiency to drive sustainable operational goals. However, operational infrastructure can become
an element of neglect, particularly when demand hits critical production points. Statistics show that improperly configured BEMS systems can account for 20% of building energy usage. To minimise this financial burden, it is imperative business owners understand why they should treat these systems as integral elements of maintenance and upgrade. Here’s why: • Improve energy efficiency Many businesses and industries, as well as individuals, are working towards leading a more sustainable lifestyle – a BEMS system can be a major contributing factor to this vision. Buildings that use these systems are approximately 22% more efficient than those without, yielding both financial and environmental benefits. If your BEMS is outdated or no longer working
as it should, this can cause it to become inefficient, negatively impacting energy efficiency goals and the environment as a result. By updating or upgrading your BEMS, manufacturers can ensure their environments improve or maintain energy efficiency. • Remain up to date For many businesses, a BEMS is an inherent part of
26 ENERGY MANAGEMENT - Winter 2021
production, particularly for food and pharmaceutical manufacturers, who must ensure that their products are stored at certain temperatures and produced in the correct climates. Without being updated or upgraded, a BEMS can increase service costs, decrease comfort levels and result in failed production, leading to further financial burden and implications for businesses. Furthermore, older systems can represent a cyber security risk being run on older software platforms. By regularly servicing your BEMS, and planning
for upgrades, you stay one step ahead of the curve and minimise operational loss. • Increases productivity BEMS also provide environmental controls – and the environment in which people work can have a huge effect on comfort, productivity and wellbeing. A report published by Savills and The British
Council for Office shows that 48% of people believe that the office can positively influence their mood and mental health, with temperature being one of the most important factors. Like the products that are being developed, employees also need to operate within comfortable climates to be at their best, which is where a fully functioning and operational BEMS can come into play to dictate temperature matters.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID Whilst there are various ways in which a BEMS can benefit a business or manufacturer when upgraded, there are also a few things to consider beforehand. When a BEMS begins to fail, many customers will
start to consider the upgrade, gathering costs to replace the BEMS controllers without looking at the complete system and original installation. If, for example, the original BEMS was installed
20 years ago, then it is likely that wiring, control panels, the associated field equipment (sensors, valves, actuators) and plant (HVAC), may also be of the same age. Replacing the BEMS controllers, without replacing
faulty valves and actuators, will provide minimal benefit. Not considering the condition of existing wiring and control panels may also result in health and safety implications. Here are some more mistakes to avoid:
1. Don’t assume you must upgrade to the same system: In some sense, moving to the
how maintaining BEMS efficiency standards should be at the
forefront of manufacturer’s minds
latest platform of an existing system may seem like a natural next step. However, by employing the help of a BEMS expert, you will be able to consider a number of systems and find the best one to suit your building requirements. As with any kind of market (and particularly
technology), the needs and wants of today evolve at such at rapid pace that the architecture to support it can either fall behind or scale accordingly. Speak to your BEMS advisor to understand which providers are operating with a high degree of productivity, return on investment and enhanced security for your business conditions. 2. Not considering a change in business needs: The needs of businesses can change, alongside building layouts, and this is even more apparent after the recent coronavirus pandemic. For example, was your cold storage originally maintained to six, but is now 12 degrees? However subtle or small, over the years, enhancements or condition changes affect plant loading and control strategies, and therefore need to be taken into account to ensure the ongoing efficiency of your building. 3. Waiting for it to break: Don’t just wait for your BEMS to break. Businesses should plan and prepare for an upgrade and should always think ahead. Consider your business plans, goals and changes, and then see where your current BEMS fits in and when it will be best to fit in an update. Naturally, a business may plan three to four years ahead at a time, so why not take into account your BEMS in this objective mix?
THE FUTURE OF BEMS Most, if not all, businesses have been impacted by Covid-19, and business needs and requirements have changed quite dramatically. Whilst many industries and businesses have
adapted to new ways of working, they must also adapt the way in which they choose to control and monitor their environments. Particularly for food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and educational sectors, BEMS will take centre stage, playing a huge part in each industry’s development. It is no longer enough to make do, or to anticipate
failures in technology. We must think ahead, plan for the future and work to a continual upgrade pattern, rather than be averse to change. Alongside the wider adi Group, adi Intelligent
Buildings can support more detailed upgrades, as well as provide the mechanical and electrical expertise manufacturers require. With the ability to spot and recognise issues, we have the capacity to supply first-class solutions across a variety of sectors. So, make changes now, to ensure a safer, more efficient future for all.
adi Group
www.adiltd.co.uk
www.energymanagementmag.co.uk
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