MONITORING & METERING


often incomplete – making system monitoring even more critical.


• Continuous insulation monitoring provides the confidence to: Implement smart load scheduling; Integrate renewable energy sources; Push ahead with advanced optimisation strategies.


•With a sound electrical foundation, even ageing systems can support modern, energy- efficient operations.


Intelligent monitoring and control


Ian Holland, managing director at DOLD Industries, highlights the value of partnering with a controls and monitoring


specialist to drive smarter, more sustainable, performance


A


s pressure mounts to decarbonise the built- environment, much of the focus leans toward


high-impact retrofit projects. Upgrading to low- carbon heating systems or replacing ageing infrastructure offers visible policy wins, however this emphasis on capital investment risks overlooking a more immediate, cost-effective opportunity, already present in most buildings: improving the operational efficiency of existing systems. This ‘efficiency-first’ approach centres on


optimising how plant and equipment perform through better monitoring, maintenance, control, and system balancing. For building services engineers and facilities managers, the ability to deliver measurable carbon reductions and cost savings without major disruption or expense is not just attractive, it’s becoming essential. This shift in approach invites greater collaboration with control and monitoring specialists who can deliver smarter, more responsive, building performance strategies.


UNCOVERING HIDDEN GAINS IN SYSTEMS Improving operational efficiency often starts with better visibility and control over the systems already in place. From sub-metering and insulation monitoring to battery performance insights, there are practical steps that can be taken to cut waste, reduce downtime and improve performance. These strategies are especially valuable in older buildings. Three areas offer significant potential for impact:


1. Real-Time Energy Monitoring Real-time energy monitoring gives a live view of energy use at the system or circuit level, while also logging historical data to reveal long-term trends, seasonal shifts, and emerging inefficiencies.


See the Full Picture – Past and Present • By combining live data with historical trends you can spot patterns. For example, if you notice overnight usage spikes, it could be as simple as an


www.essmag.co.uk HVAC setting or standby equipment left running.


• With clear, evidence-based insights, you can focus on the changes that deliver the biggest savings.


Stay Ahead of Problems


• Real-time monitoring gives you a heads-up before issues become costly failures. Watch for signs like: unexpected energy surges; uneven load distribution; and motors/pumps working harder than they should.


• In sensitive areas like server rooms, early detection can prevent downtime, protect equipment, and keep operations running smoothly.


Control from Anywhere • Today’s smart meters – like the RL9405 from DOLD’s VARIMETER Pro series – connect seamlessly using open protocols such as Modbus TCP/RTU. They let your team: monitor multiple sites remotely; direct maintenance crews where they’re needed; and fine-tune building performance without stepping foot onsite.


INSULATION MONITORING OF LEGACY ELEC- TRICAL SYSTEMS Many commercial buildings still operate with electrical infrastructure up 40 years old, and their condition often falls short of today’s safety and efficiency standards. As wiring ages, insulation can deteriorate, increasing the risk of leakage currents, phase imbalance or even complete system failure.


Improved Safety with Continuous Monitoring • Insulation monitoring devices – like DOLD’s VARIMETER IMD series – spot developing electrical faults long before they become critical.


• Continuous monitoring delivers real-time alerts, making it easier to: plan proactive maintenance; avoid unplanned outages; and extend the life of existing infrastructure.


Where Safety Meets Energy Efficiency • While these devices are designed for safety, they can also boost energy performance.


• Problems like degraded insulation can cause small but constant leakage currents, higher impedance, and uneven load distribution. Detecting these issues early means you protect both efficiency and safety.


A Strong Base for Smarter Control • In legacy buildings, electrical documentation is


The Role of Battery Symmetry Monitoring • Battery symmetry monitoring – such as DOLD’s BA9054 series – gives you real-time insight into the health of individual battery cells.


• By tracking voltage across each cell, facilities teams can spot early signs of degradation; replace failing units before they cause bigger issues; and reduce strain on the rest of the battery system.


Built-In Resilience for Critical Environments • In sites where power must never fail – hospitals, data centres, modern offices, or facilities with essential systems (lifts, emergency lighting, IT infrastructure), battery monitoring is a non-negotiable safeguard.


• Benefits include extended battery life; fewer unplanned maintenance visits; reliable performance when backup power is needed most.


Smarter Operations, Lower Risk • Real-time energy monitoring, insulation monitoring, and battery symmetry are just the starting point. With live system data, building operators can improve efficiency, reduce risk, extend equipment life, and build a strong case for future upgrades.


Technology Plus Expertise = Real Results The biggest gains come from combining the right technology with the right expertise. A specialist partner can: • Select the best-fit tools for your needs • Integrate them seamlessly into existing systems • Minimise downtime during installation • Unlock value quickly. In a sector under increasing pressure to


decarbonise, the temptation to leap straight into capital-intensive retrofits is understandable. But operational efficiency shouldn’t be overlooked – it’s faster to deploy, more affordable, and often delivers immediate results. By working with the right partner, and putting the right monitoring and control strategies in place, building services engineers and facilities managers can achieve measurable improvements today while laying the groundwork for smarter, more sustainable systems tomorrow. Efficiency, after all, is still the first fuel!


Dold Industries T: 01245 324432


www.dold.co.uk ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Autumn 2025 27


BATTERY SYMMETRY MONITORING IN ENERGY STORAGE AND EMERGENCY POWER As buildings increasingly rely on energy storage, maintaining the health and balance of those batteries becomes critical to both safety and system performance. One often-overlooked aspect of battery maintenance is symmetry: ensuring that each cell within the battery bank charges and discharges evenly.


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