BUILDING ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS


Accurate data and more sophisticated controls will enable building operators to reduce energy waste


of the UK regulatory approach is the Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) ratings for commercial buildings. These benchmarks provide incentives for sustainable practices but also penalise low performance, with fines or being deemed unrentable. The government established an ambitious target of a minimum EPC rating of B for all commercial properties by 2030. Building operators must meet minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES), which after 2028 make it illegal for a landlord to grant new tenancies or to extend existing tenancies of properties with an EPC rating of F or G. Currently, there is a great deal


Is the UK still on the path to net zero?


The UK’s net zero goal for 2050 has set high standards for buildings and energy efficiency, but recent government changes may hinder progress. Mark Blyghton looks at how building control technology can assist facilities managers in meeting their targets.


Mark Blyghton www.distech-controls.com


T


Regional Sales Manager, Distech Controls


he Paris Agreement, adopted by 193 countries at the UN Climate Change Conference COP21, aims to limit global


warming to 1.5°C. Signatories to this legally binding international treaty agreed to reducing emissions by 45% by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050. However, the buildings and construction sector contributes 36% of global final energy consumption and 37% of energy-related CO2 emissions, according to the 2021 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction. The UK Green Building Council


estimates that the energy required to heat, power and operate commercial buildings accounts for nearly a quarter of the built environment’s carbon footprint in the UK. It is clear that significant and rapid changes need to take place to deliver energy efficiencies and reach the government’s goal of net zero.


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Legislation leads the way In 2019, the United Kingdom became the first major global economy to pass legislation to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. The target will require the UK to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, compared with the previous target of at least 80% reduction from 1990 levels. In 2021, the government also set two interim targets to run a net zero power system and reduce emissions by 78% by 2035. These targets are some of the most ambitious in the world, with the overall project focusing on clean growth at the heart of its industrial strategy. UK laws are particularly significant


to building owners as new laws are phased in to encourage energy- efficient practices. One major part


of potential to improve the energy ratings of UK commercial properties because some analysts warn that nearly 70% of London’s office spaces alone are under an EPC B rating. There are 185 million square feet of retail space in the UK – 10% is currently listed at an F or G rating, effectively deeming these properties unrentable.


Building standards The government has also recently completed a consultation on the Future Homes Standard and Future Buildings Standard. The energy efficiency requirements for new homes and non-domestic buildings are set by Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) and Part 6 of the Building Regulations 2010. In this consultation the government has set out its proposals for changes to the Building Regulations, the associated Approved Document guidance, and calculation methods. The Building Controls Industry


Association (BCIA) is calling for Class A Building Controls Systems to be more clearly specified in the Future Building Standard through Part L and Part F amendments for new build premises but is also highlighting the gap in mandating controls within the retrofit space. We are looking forward to seeing


the outcomes of the consultation, but the industry cannot wait, we need to act now to deliver net-zero.


Data collection via sensors and controllers can be used for impressive energy management


Controlling emissions The construction and building controls industries have an opportunity to support companies to reduce carbon emissions and ensure buildings are as energy efficient as possible. Through HVAC controls alone, it is estimated that energy savings and subsequent


emission reductions of up to 30% are possible. When you then introduce data collection through sensors and controllers, it can be used for impressive energy management. Research by Pi Labs has looked


at the carbon reduction potential of AI to reduce the built world’s environmental footprint. The team found that 5.81 to 6.46 gigatonnes CO2-e of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can be avoided annually by 2030 with industry-wide adoption of just four AI use cases – generative design, construction rework, building energy waste and demolition waste. Building energy waste is an


area where data from building management systems becomes invaluable.


Data collection There are platforms coming to market that offer system integrators, facilities managers and buildings owners far more data about their buildings. For instance, the Eclypse Building Intelligence is a microservices-based software platform which facilitates the design, deployment, operation and maintenance of buildings with unprecedented efficiency. The vision for Eclypse Building Intelligence is to make buildings more sustainable, autonomous and human-centric, whilst ensuring it is easy and simple to deploy and also leveraging the power of a data model. Room devices can also harness


the power of AI technology to deliver energy efficiencies. As an example, the new Distech Controls Rense Move sensor has people counting through an inbuilt thermal sensor so proactive ventilation can be provided when it is required without wasting energy, and facility managers can optimise their buildings and deliver proactive maintenance. At Distech Controls we are also


considering our impact on net zero and the company has taken The Climate Pledge as part of its ambitious goal of attaining Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040. It also has a dedicated EarthLIGHT international working group focused on sustainability initiatives within the company and community. The government has and is creating legislation that has ambitious targets. The EPC targets for 2030 do present building owners with challenges but new technology also presents opportunities. There is definitely more to be done to speed up progress, but we are on a journey to net-zero and by implementing new technology and collaborating we can reach those goals. A more sustainable future is good for us all. ■


EIBI | APRIL 2024


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