Industry opinion

Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) President Stacey Lucas believes it is crucial that we change the industry mindset on BEMS.

While the Future Homes Standard is exacerbating the need for property developers and housebuilders to incorporate energy efficient and sustainable technologies and materials into new build properties, the importance of retrofitting the UK’s current building stock cannot be understated.

There are more than two million commercial buildings in the UK, with around 80% of these having been built to previous standards and likely to require retrofitting before 2050 to help achieve the government’s energy and carbon goals. As a highly effective way of improving older building performance, building energy management systems (BEMS) could play a crucial role in retrofitting the UK’s current building stock.

However, there are misconceptions over what retrofit entails, any perceived costs and how it can benefit contractors, developers and end users. Many contractors, property developers and designers aren’t aware of how the implementation of BEMS can have a substantial impact on carbon emissions, occupant wellbeing and energy expenditure.

Let me count the ways

BEMS are computer-based systems that monitor and control a building’s energy consumption through systems such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting and power. They collect data on energy use and automate controls to reduce operational costs and improve comfort.

BEMS can significantly improve existing building performance, allowing the efficient integration and optimisation of new systems during an upgrade or retrofit. Furthermore, they enable smarter control, visibility and efficiency without the need for costly and full rebuilds.

As a way of managing and controlling a building’s environment, BEMS can help building owners, facility managers and occupants optimise energy use in real time. Adapting to occupancy needs and environmental conditions, these systems can ensure that HVAC units and lighting features only operate when needed, helping reduce energy bills and the building’s carbon footprint while supporting return on investment from other retrofit measures.

The improved air quality and temperature regulation afforded by BEMS can have a positive impact on occupant wellbeing and productivity too, reducing the risk of respiratory problems and other health issues, minimising drafts, avoiding dampness and mould and providing consistent temperatures year-round.

Energy efficiency and sustainability regulations, such as the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, mean building controls and automation systems are increasingly becoming a necessity for those in charge of building management. Indeed, BEMS are able to provide up-to-date and accurate data and insights to help support compliance and certification.

The government’s 2050 net-zero target is rightfully focusing the built environment’s efforts on the specification and incorporation of energy efficient systems and materials. It’s crucial the construction industry pays close attention to the retrofitting of the UK’s existing building stock as much as the design and construction of new builds.

By enabling remote monitoring and management, predictive maintenance and accurate and real-time data optimisation, BEMS can work hand-in-hand with retrofitting projects to improve energy efficiency, reduce operational costs and enhance building performance. With that in mind, I would urge all those overseeing retrofitting projects to consider them.

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